subject: Is Rhinoplasty Augmentation Right For You? [print this page] Rhinoplasty augmentation is performed when additional structural support is called for to satisfy aesthetic or functional reasons. What it consists of is the addition of material to lengthen the tip of the nose or give some internal support to the passage airways. This procedure is usually performed to increase the projection of the nose, resulting in an
improved profile. It can also be performed for the improvement of congenital defects, defects resulting from disease, accidents, or in the case of revision surgery, to try to fix a nose job with poor results. The surgeon has a number of materials to use at his disposal. Most surgeons prefer to use autologus tissue rather than man made materials that
are available to them. Quite simply, autologus means using the patients own cartilage tissue. Cartilage can be taken from the ears, nasal septum, or irradiated rib cartilage is capable of being used. When additional support is needed, bone can also be used in its place.
The use of one's own tissue helps to decrease chance of infection or rejection of grafts significantly. The surgeon will look to use something that is readily available, and shows characteristic stability over time. The material should also be easy to ply and shape to the needs of the patient.
Man made grafts have their own advantages. The ones that are most commonly used are made from silicone and porous polyethylene. These man made materials can be shaped into just about any form needed. They are also not very likely to warp and their incidence of
resorption is extremely low with just about zero donor site morbidity. Unfortunately, they do come with a higher chance of infection and rejection by the host body. The patient may have the possibility of permanent effects existing on the tissue that surrounds the graft,
should the graft be rejected. Many of those patients that have had augmentation rhinoplasty have in the past been the recipient of extensive surgery or trauma. Nasal obstruction occurs frequently as well. Nasal bones could have collapsed previously because of trauma
or because of the over resection that occured in a prior surgery. The support of collapsed airways may necessitate the use of spreader grafts. The correction of tips may call for structural grafts, while irregularities in contour may be corrected by the use of cartilage grafts. Grafts may be classified into two groups, structural and contour grafts. Should the
nasal structure be in a very weak condition, bone grafts can offer a good solution to that problem.
They can be obtained from the ulna, ilia, or the ribs. They do not warp easily, but sometimes have a less natural look because of sharp edges.
Prior to a rhinoplasty procedure, a completye physical exam and work up should be done . In addition, any prior procedures, structural problems, or allergies should be reviewed and taken into account. Augmentation rhinoplasty has value and is fequently used in several
situations and have been in use since the early 1900's. Although the reasons for the surgery have not changed over the years, improvements and advancements in surgical procedures have enabled the achievement of a more natural and permanent result.
