Q: I need dorsal augmentation but still want a softly rounded, feminine tip. I don’t feel septal cartilage looks natural. Why might or might not ear cartilage be a better choice for some augmentation/definition of an SE Asian tip?
A: The choice of graft will depend on the type of grafts needed as well as the amount and volume of augmentation and refinement desired. A soft, rounded feminine tip can be created from septal, ear, or rib cartilage when performed by the right surgeon.
Ear cartilage has the advantage of being soft and offering smooth contours. It can also create nice refinement in the tip of the nose in combination with grafts to project the nose (columellar strut/septal extension graft).
