One way to approach this question is to weigh the pros vs cons:
Pros
- Generally, septorhinoplasty, even with a rib harvest, is considered a very safe procedure.
- You get to breathe better!
- Correct Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A deviated septum can occasionally cause or worsen obstructive sleep apnoea - which is a real medical condition that needs to be treated. Untreated, you are at risk of developing heart problems, high blood pressure even diabetes, just to name a few.
- You get to look better
- no implant related problems (infection, rejection, replacement issues etc)
- insurance eligible (at least partially)
Cons
- long surgery (but may not matter to you since you are under GA anyway)
- chest scar - approx 3cm line on the chest
- can be fairly costly (but insurance eligible)
- low risk does not mean no risk. Complications can still happen
Generally, most patients are very glad to have done it, as it kills many birds with one stone, and once recovered well, you have very little issues to deal with in future.
Understandably, there may be a mental barrier for most patients, especially if they are encountering the prospect of needing to harvest the rib for the first time. However, I genuinely believe that rib septorhinoplasty is really a very good choice over many other options.
If your doctor(s) all recommend a rib rhinoplasty, chances are it is because a normal septoplasty won't be good enough to improve your breathing. And while you are at it, you can actually make improvements to the appearance without the use of implants (no future headaches).
