Multilayered Costal Cartilage Graft for Nasal Dorsal Augmentation

Nasal dorsal augmentation is a widely performed procedure in Asian rhinoplasty. Prior research has shown that costal cartilage grafts are commonly used to enhance nasal height. However, the long-term aesthetic outcomes and complication rates remain unclear. It was already known that different grafting techniques may influence warping and patient satisfaction. That uncertainty drove the need to compare multilayered grafting with traditional one-block grafting. No prior work had resolved whether one method consistently outperforms the other in terms of aesthetics and structural stability. This gap motivated a retrospective analysis to assess both objective and subjective outcomes. Researchers sought to determine if multilayered grafting could reduce warping without sacrificing aesthetic results. The study aimed to provide evidence-based insights into grafting techniques for nasal augmentation.

The study aimed to evaluate the aesthetic and functional outcomes of multilayered costal cartilage grafting (MCG) compared to one-block concentric carving costal cartilage grafting (OCG) in nasal dorsal augmentation. Researchers focused on comparing objective measures like dorsal and radix height ratios. They also assessed subjective outcomes such as patient satisfaction and postoperative complications. The motivation stemmed from the need to reduce warping in costal grafts while maintaining aesthetic results. The authors sought to determine if MCG could offer structural advantages over OCG. They analyzed a cohort of 82 Asian patients with more than one year of follow-up. The goal was to provide evidence to guide surgical technique selection in rhinoplasty. The study aimed to contribute to the growing body of evidence on grafting techniques in nasal reconstruction.

The study employed a retrospective cohort design comparing two grafting techniques in nasal dorsal augmentation. Eighty-two patients were included, with 39 receiving OCG and 43 receiving MCG. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon between 2010 and 2018. Anthropometric measurements were taken pre- and postoperatively to assess dorsal and radix height ratios. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using both objective and subjective criteria. Patient satisfaction was measured through postoperative follow-up assessments. Complications such as warping were documented and compared between groups. Statistical analysis included t-tests and chi-square tests to evaluate differences in outcomes. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive comparison of grafting techniques in Asian rhinoplasty.

Dorsal height ratios increased by 14.0% after OCG and 13.5% after MCG, with both changes statistically significant (p < 0.001). Radix height ratios increased by 19.4% in the OCG group and 19.0% in the MCG group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the two groups in dorsal or radix height ratios postoperatively (p = 0.707 and p = 0.856, respectively). The warping rate was 15.4% in the OCG group and 4.7% in the MCG group, though the difference was not statistically significant. Patient satisfaction scores were comparable between the two groups. Both techniques achieved similar aesthetic improvements in nasal height. The MCG group showed a trend toward reduced warping compared to OCG. These findings suggest that MCG may offer structural advantages without compromising aesthetic outcomes.

The authors concluded that MCG produces similar aesthetic outcomes to OCG in nasal dorsal augmentation. They noted that MCG may reduce warping, which could be an advantage in long-term results. The study found no significant differences in dorsal or radix height ratios between the two groups. Patient satisfaction was comparable in both groups, suggesting that MCG does not compromise aesthetic satisfaction. The lower warping rate in MCG suggests potential structural benefits. The authors proposed that MCG could be an effective alternative to OCG in Asian rhinoplasty. They emphasized that both techniques achieve similar aesthetic improvements. The findings suggest that MCG may be preferred for its potential to minimize warping.