Diced cartilage for dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty: effect on nasal projection and frontal nasal width

This research study was designed to evaluate the aesthetic consequences of different dorsal augmentation techniques using diced cartilage on dorsal width and projection in rhinoplasty. Patients were assigned to three groups based on the dorsal augmentation technique used: diced cartilage wrapped in fascia (DCIF), free diced cartilage under fascia (DCUF), and free diced cartilage without fascia (FDC). Dorsal projection and dorsal aesthetic width were measured at two levels using pre- and postoperative photographs. A total of 98 patients were included in the study. DCIF was used in 51 patients, FDC in 27 patients, and DCUF in 20 patients. There was no significant difference in nasion projection, rhinion projection, or width of the dorsal aesthetic lines at the intercanthal and keystone levels among these groups. Significantly greater nasion and rhinion projection was observed with DCIF in thin-skinned patients followed-up for 6-12 months (nasion, P = 0.028; rhinion P = 0.039) but not at>12 months. Two patients with a graft infection and one with graft malposition were encountered in the DCIF group. Experience from this study suggests that the application of FDC prevents such complications without sacrificing the dorsal augmentation and that DCIF is a better choice for more severe deformities.