Absorbable Plate-Assisted Columellar Strut Graft Using Auricular Cartilage: A Large-Scale Clinical Study of 1710...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Autologous cartilage grafts for nasal tip support in rhinoplasty face limitations like resorption and warping.
• Absorbable plates (poly-L-lactic acid/poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) are explored as adjuncts to auricular cartilage columellar strut grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of absorbable plate-assisted columellar strut grafting in a large cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 1710 primary rhinoplasty patients using PLA or PLGA plates with auricular conchal cartilage.
• Nasal tip projection assessed via standardized photographs and Ricketts' E-line analysis over 1 month to 6 years.

Main Results:

• High success rate in achieving and sustaining nasal tip projection.
• Overall complication rate of 0.35% with transient overprojection resolving by 6 months.
• Minor complications included skin exposure and mucosal penetration during the learning phase, with no delayed infections.

Conclusions:

• Absorbable plate-assisted columellar strut grafting is a safe, reproducible, and effective method for stable nasal tip support.
• The technique provides temporary support, resorbs over time, and avoids risks of permanent implants or extensive donor-site morbidity.
• It is a viable alternative for nasal tip support, especially in East Asian patients with specific anatomical characteristics.