[Functional and aesthetic results after augmentation rhinoplasty]

Augmentation rhinoplasty could be defined as the method whose goal is to increase the dimensions of the nasal pyramid, both the dorsum and the tip. For a long time, surgeons have used different kinds of materials that have often been the object of discussion. The aim of this study is to report our experience with augmentation septorhinoplasty, emphasising the type and nature of the grafts employed and the ensuing complications.

This is a retrospective study describing the medical history of 188 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty surgery in our Department over a period of 12 years, from January 1998 to April 2009. Of these patients, 42 underwent augmentation septorhinoplasty, which is the object of our study.

In 66% of the cases (28/42), quadrangular autologous cartilage was the "onlay" graft most widely employed; we used a single graft in 22 (85.7%) cases and a double one in the other 6 (21%). In 14 patients, it was necessary to use grafts of synthetic material: in all the cases Gore-Tex was chosen, in 12 (28.5%) patients as the only graft material and in 2 (4.7%) used together with septal cartilage.

Nasal dorsum reconstruction requires the knowledge of different methods and surgical procedures, as well as the use of different types of grafts according to the needs of each patient. The ideal graft, which exists only as a concept, would be the one combining biocompatibility, a low complication rate and results that remained stable for a long time. At present, autologous cartilage, and more precisely septal cartilage, is still the first option for augmentation rhinoplasty. If septal cartilage is not available, we always turn to conchal cartilage grafts, from one or both sides depending on the amount of cartilage required.