Advances in nasal dorsal augmentation with diced cartilage

The quest for the ideal method for augmenting the nasal dorsum continues to be a matter of debate, with alloplastic materials and autologous tissues each having distinct advantages. This review focuses on the use of autologous tissues, diced cartilage in particular.

In the western world, the preferred tissue has been autologous cartilage with diced cartilage in a sleeve of fascia having become the dominant technique in the last decade. This review highlights the characteristics of different augmentation techniques, giving particular attention to a recent modification of a diced cartilage graft, described as the Tasman technique. The technique bonds the cartilage with fibrin glue, greatly improving the ease of graft preparation and its versatility. A morphometric study has shown this graft to be stable over a 15-month follow-up period.

Using autologous tissue for nasal dorsal augmentation meets the preference of most patients and surgeons. The diced cartilage glue graft is a welcome addition to the rhinoplasty armamentarium.