Grafts and implants in rhinoplasty—Techniques and long-term results

Abstract

Rhinoplasty continues to behoove even the most experienced facial plastic surgeons in achieving long-term predictable success. To achieve the goals of a natural, refined, and esthetically flattering appearance of the nose while maintaining a functionally patent nasal airway, surgeons must adhere to certain guiding principles: preservation of favorable structural components, reorientation and augmentation of selected areas, and conservative resection. In keeping with this paradigm, the astute rhinoplastic surgeon must have thorough knowledge of grafts and implants commonly utilized in rhinoplasty today. After a systematic review of the literature, the authors present the pros and cons of commonly applied graft and implant materials utilized in rhinoplasty. The authors enlighten the reader about the indications of various grafting techniques endorsed by world experts in the field, especially as it pertains to the harvest, preparation, and insertion of these grafts into the nose. Finally, data supporting the long term results of these grafts and implants in rhinoplasty is presented.