Immediate Nasal Reconstruction in Management of Infected Nasal Alloplast and Allografts: A Case Series

The use of alloplastic and allogenic nasal implants is widely popular in rhinoplasty. However, the use of these materials is accompanied by a risk of infection and extrusion. Traditionally, management of these complications is performed in a dual-staged fashion. First, the implant is removed and infection is controlled, then a delayed reconstruction is performed. However, scarring and soft tissue contracture make a delayed reconstruction challenging, and optimal aesthetic outcomes are difficult to achieve. This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of immediate nasal reconstruction following removal of an infected nasal implant.

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who had infected nasal implants and underwent simultaneous removal and immediate nasal reconstruction with autologous cartilages (n = 8). Data collected included patient age, race, pre-operative presentation, intraoperative surgical maneuvers, and post-operative outcomes and complications. Post-operative results were used to measure success of the single-staged method.

Follow-up ranged from 12 to 156 months with mean 84.4 months of the eight patients who were evaluated in the study, none had any major post-operative complications that required revision or reconstruction. All of the patients had marked improvement in nasal form and function. Six of the eight (75%) patients reported excellent aesthetic outcomes; two (25%) requested revisional surgeries for aesthetic concerns.

Low complication rates and excellent aesthetic outcomes are possible in immediate autologous reconstruction following removal of an infected nasal implant. This is an alternative approach that obviates the inherent problems of a traditional delayed reconstruction.

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