Harvesting Split Costal Cartilage Graft in Revision Rhinoplasty Without Disturbing the Costal Integrity

Graft use is inevitable in some primary and secondary rhinoplasty cases with cartilage or bone deficiency. Although rib graft is one of the best graft sources, it has several disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to minimize the risks of using rib grafts.

Between 2018 and 2020, a total of 21 patients aged between 25 and 55 have undergone revision rhinoplasty under general anesthesia with a split cartilage graft of central origin. A 3-4-mm-thick bridge was left at the superior and inferior edges of the donor area, and the graft was harvested from the central region without disrupting the costal integrity. A special retractor was placed between the perichondrium and the rib at the posterior of the costa to prevent damage to the pleura while cutting the rib. The previously marked grafts were cut in the donor area and harvested ready for use. The harvested grafts were used as spreader, strut, alar rim and nasal valve grafts.

None of the patients had complications due to rib graft harvesting. After the operation, pain in the donor region and analgesic requirement of these patients were less compared to the patients with full-layer grafts.

The grafts taken from the center of the costa without breaking its integrity seem quite suitable for revision rhinoplasty surgeries. This technique prevents various morbidities and enables patients to have a more comfortable postoperative period.

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