Rhinoplasty materials explained Material-Based Rhinoplasty in Gangnam, Seoul
ear, rib, septum or implant?

What your new nose is built with matters as much as its shape. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo chooses between your own septal, ear and rib cartilage and a custom implant for each part of the nose, with a strong preference for your own tissue where it counts most: the tip.

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ONYX Plastic Surgery Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, where rhinoplasty materials are planned — **Planned 1:1 with your surgeon** Every consultation is with Dr. Yoo Kunwoon, board-certified plastic surgeon.

01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp

Quick answer

What materials are used in rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty uses autologous (your own) cartilage from the septum, ear or rib, and sometimes a synthetic implant such as silicone for the bridge. Each has strengths: septal cartilage is straight and strong, ear cartilage is soft and curved, and rib cartilage is the most abundant.

Ear cartilage rhinoplasty uses cartilage taken from behind the ear, leaving a hidden scar. It is ideal for softening and shaping the tip, and is often used in revision when septal cartilage is no longer available.

Typical figures. Your surgeon confirms the details for your case.
Septal cartilage	First choice for tip support
Ear cartilage	Soft tip grafts; hidden scar behind the ear
Rib cartilage	Abundant; revision and lengthening
Silicone implant	Reliable bridge height
Combination	Silicone bridge + cartilage tip is common
Decided by	3D CT and consultation

Material guides

Choose by material

Your own tissue

Autologous Cartilage

Natural feel and long-term stability.

Read the guide → Strong support

Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty

For revision, lengthening and major support.

Read the guide → Bridge height

Silicone Implant Rhinoplasty

Custom-carved implant for the bridge.

Read the guide → No foreign material

No-Implant Rhinoplasty

Shape achieved with your own tissue only.

Read the guide → Natural feel

Natural Cartilage Nose Job

A softer, more natural-feeling result.

Read the guide → Approach

Open Rhinoplasty

Precise placement of cartilage grafts.

Read the guide →

Compare

Rhinoplasty materials compared

	Typical use	Strengths	Consider
Septal cartilage	Tip support, extension grafts	Straight, strong, same incision	Limited amount; may be used up after surgery
Ear cartilage	Tip shaping, soft grafts, revision	Soft, curved, hidden scar	Less suited to strong support or height
Rib cartilage	Revision, lengthening, bridge	Most abundant and strong	Small chest incision; can warp if not prepared well
Silicone implant	Bridge height	Predictable height, removable	Can show or shift in thin skin

FAQ

Material-Based Rhinoplasty in Seoul: your questions answered.

What is ear cartilage rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty that uses cartilage taken from behind the ear, mainly to soften, shape or support the tip. The donor scar is hidden in the ear crease.

Does taking ear cartilage change the shape of my ear?

When harvested correctly, the ear keeps its normal shape; only a small piece from the bowl of the ear is used.

Which material is best?

There is no single best material. ONYX prefers your own cartilage for the tip and decides on the bridge material based on height needed and skin thickness.

Is rib cartilage painful?

The chest donor site is usually sore for a few days and manageable with medication.

Can implants be replaced with cartilage later?

Yes, this is a common revision when an implant becomes visible or uncomfortable.