Dorsal nasal augmentation with "open sandwich" graft consisting of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia

Abstract

Background: Augmenting the nasal dorsum with conchal grafts can cause visible irregularities over time due to the morphological qualities of that material. Objectives: This study describes the senior authors technique of dorsal nasal augmentation with chondrofascial "open sandwich" grafts consisting of pieces of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia. The authors assess the efficiency and reliability of this graft in nasal dorsal augmentation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 19 patients who underwent dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty with chondrofascial grafts. Both cartilage and fascia were harvested through the same incision in the retroauricular sulcus. The conchal graft was cut in 2 to 4 pieces and slightly crushed with tissue forceps. The pieces of cartilage were arranged and fixed to the fascia in different patterns according to the nasal dorsum contour. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 35 months in 16 patients who qualified for inclusion in the final data. The maximal thickness of the chondrofascial graft was 4.5 mm. There were no major complications in the recipient area, except 1 case of undercorrection. There were 2 complications in the donor area. In 1 case, a hematoma was treated conservatively. In another case, a strip of skin necrosis in the conchal area occurred and was treated by excision and direct suture with satisfactory resolution. Conclusions: The utologous chondrofascial graft is appropriate for slight to mild dorsal nasal augmentation. The method, as with most rhinoplasty techniques, requires careful and judicious preoperative examination, planning, and execution. The postoperative scar is inconspicuous and the donor site morbidity is minimal. © 2012 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.