Dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty with irradiated homograft costal cartilage

Augmentation of the nasal framework requires a working knowledge of nasal and facial anatomy, as well as the principles of facial proportion and balance. Dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty is a valuable means of improving nasal appearance in patients with a low and/or concave nasal dorsum, obtuse nasofrontal angle, and low radix. It frequently is combined with other techniques, including columellar strut grafting, nasal tip grafting, and tip suturing, as dorsal deficiencies are often associated with poor tip projection and support and a shortened columella. Our experience with dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty, including the use of irradiated homograft costal cartilage for grafting in 56 surgeries, is described. A high level of patient satisfaction with a low percentage of complications has been seen.