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2026.01.08
The concept of transplant materials in aristocratic and feline surgery
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have handled numerous cases involving trauma, reconstruction, and congenital conditions, cultivating precise techniques and deep anatomical understanding. Driven by the desire to deliver the transformative power of beauty—where visible change uplifts the spirit—I pursued a career in cosmetic surgery. My areas of expertise include comprehensive eye treatments, injectable therapies, and anti-sagging procedures. Guided by a commitment to sincerely address each patient's aspirations, I provide meticulously crafted treatments focused on achieving beauty.
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Designing natural beauty with trust.
I am Masataka Fujihashi, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
In midface lifting surgery, the result depends not only on "where it is placed" but also on the material to be implanted.
The nasal wing base and nasal bridge base are the foundation of the nose, and grafting soft material may not produce the desired changes.
In this article, we will organize the transplant materials used in aristocrat and cat surgery.
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Basic policy: "some rigid support" at the base of the nasal wing
The nasal wing base is the area where a single point is lifted forward to reduce the bump.
If the support is weak, it will spread around and not raise the targeted position.
Therefore,Harder materials such as prosthesis, cartilage, hydroxyapatite, etc. are more suitable than softer materials such as fat.。
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Why fat does not fit
Fat is easy to harvest, and the fact that it is autologous tissue is a major advantage.
However, in areas where pinpoint height is desired, such as the nasal wing base, the amount of change is difficult to read due to spreading and absorption.
It is suitable for "pushing the whole thing up softly," but not good for "moving forward 1mm here.
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Prosthesis: reproducibility and limitations as a foreign body
The prosthesis is a material that is stable in shape and easy to produce the designed volume.
Silicon is relatively resistant to infection and easy to remove when needed.
While Gore-Tex has a natural feel to the touch and is difficult to dislodge, it is not easy to extract.
The choice is made with the understanding that both are foreign bodies and are difficult to implant additionally in the area they are in.
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Cartilage: “structure” with autologous tissue.”
Cartilage is autologous tissue, a material that is easy to build support for as a foundation.
While auricular cartilage is relatively easy to harvest and scars are less noticeable,Limited quantities available。
If there is a need to create firm midface volume, auricular cartilage alone may not be sufficient.
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Why is rib cartilage strong in midface formation?
The greatest benefit of rib cartilage is,Sufficient quantity.That is the case.
Another important factor is versatility.
In cases where nasal septal extension and rhinoplasty are performed at the same time, the rib cartilage can be distributed to multiple areas within the same surgery。
Aligning materials provides consistency in the way supports are built and makes it easier to assemble the design.
Rib cartilage is generally not harvested for the midface alone, but if it is harvested for nasal augmentation surgery, it can be used to reinforce the foundation at the same time, which is a great advantage.
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The use of the term "fragmented rib cartilage
When rib cartilage is placed in a lump (block), it may be easier to touch and recognize over the skin.
Therefore, in the midface, it is often grafted as finely crushed fine rib cartilage.
The fine pieces make the boundaries gentle and make it easier to create support while reducing tactile sensation.
On the other hand, the size of the pocket for implantation is important, as messy placement can cause irregularity and bias.
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■ Summary
The choice of materials for midfacial plastic surgery is determined by the concept of "supporting the foundation" rather than "filling in the recesses".
Fat, prosthesis, and cartilage each have their own role, and the optimal solution depends on the skeletal structure, skin conditions (softness, etc.), and the nature of the surgery to be performed simultaneously.
In particular, rib cartilage is a material that has both quantity and versatility and is easy to use naturally in the midface by shredding.
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【Profile】
Masataka Fujihashi, MD, Plastic Surgeon
Leveraging expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I offer comprehensive facial cosmetic procedures including eyelid and nose surgery, facial liposuction, thread lifts, and hyaluronic acid injections. From incisional surgeries and revision procedures requiring delicate design to minimally invasive injections and lifts with minimal downtime, I strive to provide treatments tailored to each patient's ideal outcome.
We are dedicated to achieving natural results and minimizing downtime, pursuing medical care that leaves you feeling confident in your choice through sincere consultations.
Designing natural beauty with trust.
We cherish that sentiment and apply it to our daily practice.
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【Career】
March 2015: Graduated from the School of Medicine, Showa University
April 2015 Showa University Yokohama Northern Hospital Initial Clinical Training
April 2017 Showa University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery
October 2017 Maebashi Red Cross Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
April 2019 Nishio Municipal Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
April 2020 Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital Plastic Surgery Department
November 2020 Ota Nishinouchi Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery
July 2022 Tokyo Rosai Hospital Plastic Surgery / Cosmetic Surgery Department Head
July 2022: R.O.clinic (Part-time), Kusano Taro Clinic (Part-time)
April 2024 Deputy Director, Ginza TA Clinic
November 2025 BIANCA CLINIC
【Professional Affiliations and Qualifications】
Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (JSAPS)
Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)