Prevention and treatment of late sequelae in corrective rhinoplasty

Abstract

1. 1. Corrective rhinoplasty is one of the most frequent procedures in present-day reparative surgery. Late sequelae are due to many factors, a large percentage of which can and should be prevented. Impor- tant causative factors are: (I) infection; (2) faulty surgical technique; (3) lack of proper planning, with inattention to artistic considerations. 2. 2. In post-traumatic deformities failures could often be prevented if the displaced and dislocated parts of the nasal frame were reset in normal position without the addition of outside supporting material. Narrowing of the bony bridge, transposition of the upper and lower lateral cartilages and resetting of the subluxated septum are steps which, when properly carried out, assure an optimum end result. 3. 3. Autogenous cartilage is the substance of choice for nasal support. “Pickled cartilage” is a good substitute. 4. 4. Free grafts for repair of skin losses should be taken from a nearby area in order to match the surrounding skin as closely as possible in color and texture.