ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Tutoplast-processed fascia lata (TPFL) is a commercially available homograft that has been successfully used as graft tissue for rhinoplasty. The present study evaluates the histomorphological changes of TPFL in a rabbit rhinoplasty model. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study using a rabbit model. SETTING: Animal laboratory of the Asan Medical Center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study used 15 New Zealand White rabbits. Each rabbit was implanted with a TPFL (experimental group) and autologous fascia lata (control group) graft of equal size into the nasal dorsum. Rabbits were killed at 1, 3, and 6 months, and the grafts were removed and microscopically assessed for fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, inflammation, and thickness. RESULTS: For TPFL grafts, the degree of inflammation significantly decreased between 1 and 3 months (P = .041). The degree of fibroblast proliferation continually increased over time. There was a mild degree of neovascularization for the TPFL graft at 1 month. The degree of neovascularization increased between 3 and 6 months (P = .041). For the degree of inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and neovascularization, there was no significant difference between TPFL and autologous fascia lata at 6 months. Mean thickness analysis showed that there was no significant thickness reduction in both TPFL and autologous fascia lata grafts at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The TPFL grafts showed negligible resorption rates and favorable tissue reactions in the rabbit rhinoplasty model.
