Thursday, February 1, 2007
12144

A Novel Autologous Scaffold that Sustains Cartilage Viability and Promotes Longevity in Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Jamal Bullocks, MD, Gerardo Guerra, MD, Anthony Echo, MD, Samuel Stal, MD, and Eser Yuksel, MD.

Background: Dorsal nasal augmentation has a variety of indications within reconstructive and aesthetic rhinoplasty. The ideal material for augmentation is initially pliable, provides adequate vertical height and maintains form and volume over time. Diced cartilage grafts wrapped in various substances have recently been popularized as implant material. However, these materials have been shown to resorb with time due to either chronic inflammation or variable graft take. Purpose: To identify an implant material that will adequately augment the nasal dorsum and confer structural longevity. Methods: A combination of diced cartilage shavings, perichondrocytes and polymerized autologous fibrin was utilized to augment the nasal dorsum in patients with dorsal nasal deficiency. Volumetric data provided by clinical examination and sequential photography were tabulated. Results: A total of 21 patients received the autologous implant over a one year period with a mean follow-up interval of 8 months. The exact dimensions of the implants were maintained throughout the analysis period indicating no resorption. Additionally, there was no negative morbid sequela requiring explantation. Conclusions: This novel implant material is malleable to allow in situ molding at implantation and yet maintains form by sustaining cartilage viability and subsequent longevity that ultimately satisfies the goals of dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty.