Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty by Cartilage Allograft

The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction after nasal dorsal rhinoplasty with allogeneic cartilage graft of the nasal septum.

The present study included 104 patients (41 males and 63 females) whose mean age at surgery was 28.7 years and who underwent nasal dorsal augmentation with allogenous nasal septal cartilage graft during the period 2017-2023. Depending on the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), the patients were divided into two groups: Group I had PRF applied in dorsal rhinoplasty and included 53 patients (29 males and 24 females). Group II (control group) had dorsal rhinoplasty without the use of PRF and included 51 patients (26 males and 25 females). Donor patients included those who had taken excess nasal septal cartilage during functional rhinoplasty. According to the indications, crushed allogenic septal cartilage graft and PRF were also used. Esthetic results of rhinoplasty were assessed from preoperative and postoperative clinical pictures and also by visual examination. To assess the results of esthetic rhinoplasty, the Portuguese version of the Utrecht Questionnaire (UQ) was used, which contains a visual analog scale (VAS) on a 5-point Likert scale.

In patients included in the study, there were no serious complications: there was no deformation or extrusion, and allograft resorption was not observed. After rhinoplasty in the Group I patients, the mean score of VAS esthetic satisfaction with nose improved from 3.6 preoperatively to 8.5 3 months postoperatively and 9.2 12 months postoperatively. After rhinoplasty in the Group II patients, the mean score of VAS esthetic satisfaction with nose improved from 3.7 preoperatively to 7.8 3 months postoperatively and 8.3 12 months postoperatively.

Rhinoplasty with allogeneic cartilage graft of the nasal septum allows to achieve stable, positive, functional, and esthetic results and is safe to use. It is an alternative to autologous cartilage used in rhinoplasty and also prevents additional surgical procedures.