column (e.g. in newspaper)
2026.02.20
What Happens After 10 Years of Auricular Cartilage Grafting? Bianca's cosmetic surgeon Takashi Nakao explains the changes over time that you should know!
Specialist in rhinoplasty. He has performed many surgeries for functional restoration including nasal septal curvature at university hospitals, and has successfully performed rhinoplasty that requires advanced techniques at the level of reconstructive surgery. Currently, we offer rhinoplasty optimized for the Japanese and Asian population by incorporating advanced world-standard techniques such as preservation rhinoplasty. Our specialty is the “compact and sharp design with a tipped nose,” which is considered ideal in Europe and the United States. Combining his extensive experience as a plastic surgeon certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with the perspective of cosmetic surgery, he performs surgeries that combine functionality and beauty.
Hello, my name is Nakao from Bianca Clinic.
Auricular cartilage grafting“ is a popular nose job. Because it uses the cartilage from one's own ear, it is considered to be safe and the result is natural. Will it still look good 10 years from now? However, there may be many people who are concerned about ”Will it still look good 10 years from now? In this article, we will focus on the "reality after 10 years" of auricular cartilage grafting and explain in detail the long-term changes and points to avoid regret.
Ear Cartilage to the tip of the nose? What is an auricular cartilage graft?
In rhinoplasty, there are various methods to reshape the nose. Among them, auricular cartilage grafting, in which cartilage is harvested from one's own ear and transplanted to the tip of the nose, is attracting attention as a procedure that can be expected to provide natural-looking results and long-term stability. Here, we will explain in detail what an auricular cartilage graft is and what advantages it offers.
What is the "auricular cartilage graft" we hear about in rhinoplasty?
Auricular cartilage is cartilage tissue taken from the back of the ear (auricle). It is suitable for nose reshaping because it is moderately soft and elastic and can be easily shaped into a natural shape. Since the tissue is removed through a small incision behind the ear, the scar is hardly noticeable. The shape of the ear does not change after extraction, and it is not visible to others. In addition to auricular cartilage, other cartilages used in rhinoplasty include nasal septum cartilage and rib cartilage.
The characteristics of the auricular cartilage compared to the nasal septal cartilage and rib cartilage are as follows
- Easy to remove and less likely to show scars
- Soft and easy to process, making it easy to achieve a natural finish
- Relatively low strength makes it unsuitable for structural reinforcement of the nose, especially in areas where support is needed.
- Thin and curved, not suitable for major modifications or drastic changes in shape
Advantages of Using Auricular Cartilage Grafts for Rhinoplasty
The greatest advantage of using auricular cartilage is that the finished result is natural and uncomfortable because autologous tissue (one's own cartilage) is used. Since the body does not easily recognize it as a foreign body, the risk of rejection or infection is relatively low, and stable long-term results can be expected. It is also softer to the touch and easier to reproduce the "natural texture of the tip of the nose" than silicone or other artificial materials.
Types of procedures that can be performed with auricular cartilage grafts
Auricular cartilage is often used in rhinoplasty to adjust the height and forward projection of the nasal tip. Auricular cartilage is particularly suitable for the tip of the nose, where artificial prostheses are unsuitable and natural-looking results are desired. It is also possible to raise or lengthen the tip of the nose by fixing it to the nasal septum and extending the nasal septum. These techniques can be used to fine-tune the shape of the nasal tip and the overall balance of the face.
What happens 10 years after an auricular cartilage graft? Explanation of possible problems.
What is of concern with rhinoplasty is the change over time, such as “the state after 10 years”. Auricular cartilage is a material that is not easily absorbed by the body. Although there is some regression, there is little concern that the effect will fade over time. If the transplanted cartilage is firmly attached to the tip of the nose, the result can be maintained for 10 or 20 years.
Nevertheless, some patients come to our clinic for revision more than 10 years after an auricular cartilage graft received at another clinic. Some of the problems that can occur over a long period of time include the following
Possible problems after 10 years 1. deformation of the nose
Rarely, after more than 10 years, the entire nose may appear crooked and unnatural. In particular, nasal septum lengthening is a surgery that uses the original nasal septum cartilage as a foundation, and then adds one's own cartilage to make the tip of the nose higher and longer. Since the foundation is subjected to strong forces, the cartilage of the nasal septum may gradually become bent due to its inability to withstand these forces. In addition, auricular cartilage is often slightly curved to begin with, and even if it is straightened and transplanted, it may bend again over time. Although such deformities are very rare, the selection and placement of the cartilage at the time of surgery is important in order to maintain a beautiful shape over the long term.
Possible problems after 10 years 2. cartilage lifting
When the nose is heightened by nasal septum extension, the skin of the nose is stretched and thinned, and the grafted cartilage may appear to float over time, which is rare. This is especially noticeable in cases where the skin of the nose is thin to begin with or the shape and size of the grafted cartilage is unnaturally large. To prevent this problem, it is important to mold the cartilage into a natural shape and adjust it to an appropriate size during the surgery. By designing the graft so that it is less noticeable when it floats out, a natural-looking result can be maintained over the long term.
How to Avoid Regrets 10 Years Later with Auricular Cartilage Grafting
The following are some of the innovations we make at Bianca Clinic and points that patients can be aware of in order to keep their condition beautiful even 10 years after the auricular cartilage grafting.
Design design with long-term appearance in mind
If rhinoplasty is designed with only youthful ideals as a priority, it may be out of balance with the changes in the face and skin due to aging. In many cases, if the tip of the nose is made too high or too pointed, it will look "unnatural" or "old" 10 years later. In order to maintain a beautiful nose in the long term, Bianca Clinic emphasizes a design that takes into consideration the balance of the entire nose, the facial structure, and the thickness of the skin.
Balance“ is more important than ”quantity“ in cartilage transplantation
Although auricular cartilage provides a sense of security because it is made from one's own tissue, it is not always a good idea to transplant a lot of cartilage. If too much cartilage is transplanted to achieve a firm change, there is an increased risk of postoperative problems such as nasal tip protrusion and distortion of the shape. In order to achieve a natural and long-term stable result, it is essential to design for balance rather than quantity.
Selecting the right doctor is key in areas that are difficult to correct.
Auricular cartilage grafting is a very delicate procedure and is difficult to correct. In particular, the skin at the tip of the nose is thin, and fine adjustments to the shape and orientation of the cartilage directly affect the results. Inexperienced surgeons may not be able to achieve the ideal shape or may increase the risk of future deformity. Therefore, it is important to choose a doctor with extensive experience in rhinoplasty and familiarity with anatomy. Check case photos, reviews, and surgical policy explanations to determine if the doctor is trustworthy. Bianca Clinic has several plastic surgeons certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic Surgery. We hope you will check the case photos on our website and on our Instagram.
▶ Bianca Clinic cases areHere
▶My, Nakao's Instagram isHere(@dr_nakao_rhinoplasty)
Importance of regular maintenance and recheckups
The shape of the nose can change slightly with age, lifestyle, and skin changes. By checking the shape and skin condition at the clinic once every few years after surgery, changes can be identified at an early stage. Also, if the cartilage seems to be slightly lifted over time, or if the overall balance of the nose is about to be disturbed, early action can make correction easier. Regular maintenance is an important practice to maintain a beautiful result even after 10 years.
Bianca Clinic for an auricular cartilage graft to keep the tip of your nose beautiful even after 10 years.
Auricular cartilage grafting is a procedure that offers natural-looking results and long-term stability, but because it requires a delicate technique, it is extremely important that the procedure be performed by an experienced physician. At Bianca Clinic, the surgery is performed by a doctor with extensive experience in rhinoplasty cases. We carefully check the height and shape of the tip of the nose, the balance of the nose as a whole, and the thickness of the skin to determine the optimal amount, position, and angle of the cartilage for each individual patient. If you have any concerns about the shape or height of your nasal tip, please consult Bianca Clinic. We will do our best to help you maintain a natural and beautiful nose even after 10 years with a design that takes into account changes over time.
Web reservations are available atHere
