Augmentation Rhinoplasty with Rib Cartilage Graft

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the outcome and complications of augmentation rhinoplasty with rib cartilage grafts Methods: Study Design: Retrospective study Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital Participants: Patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation with autologous rib cartilage grafts between June 2008 and October 2012. Results: A total of 12 patients (3 male, 9 female) were included in the study. Mean age was 29 years. Seven were cases of primary simple rhinoplasty with 4 cases of revision (previously using alloplastic materials) and one case of trauma. Indications for the procedure were all cosmetic. There was no incidence of infection, both in the donor and recipient sites, warping of the graft, graft extrusion, resorption, pneumothorax, chest wall deformity or prolonged edema. Post-operative pain in the donor site was relieved by oral pain medications. No revision surgery was required. Conclusion: Costal cartilage is a good option for structural support of the nose. In our experience patients have become wary of the complication of allografts and have opted to use autografts. The surgeon’s knowledge of the nasal anatomy as well as his or her experience with autologous grafts plays a major role in avoiding post-operative morbidity. Keywords: Rhinoplasty, rib graft, costal cartilage graft, Southeast Asian nose

Keywords

• Rhinoplasty, rib graft, costal cartilage graft, Southeast Asian nose