Comparison of Resorption in Autogenous Dorsal Onlay Cartilage Grafts: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to compare the graft resorption characteristics of autogenous cartilage from the septum, auricle, and costal in the superficial muscular aponeurotic system of the nasal dorsum of the rabbit model. METHODS: Equal-sized perichondrium-free septal, auricular, and costal cartilage grafts were collected from fifteen New Zealand white rabbits. Cartilage grafts were taken at the scale of two grafts from each animal's ear, two from its costal part, and one from its septum. Costal cartilage grafts that were shaped with a micro-motor device and monopolar electrocautery, elastic cartilage grafts that were shaped with a micro-motor device and monopolar electrocautery, and septal cartilage grafts that were shaped with a scalpel were all implanted into the dorsum of rabbit's noses to create five groups. All autogenous cartilage tissues were removed 3 months later. Cartilages were evaluated for histological features, graft mass, and chondrocyte density resorption. RESULTS: The elastic cartilage group, where electrocautery was used to shape the cartilage, had a higher resorption score than the other groups. The costal cartilage graft shaped with a micro-motor was also observed to have the best cartilage regeneration score. CONCLUSION: We observed that the resorption of costal cartilage was lower than that of ear and septum cartilage. It was determined that micro-motor application for the shaping process caused less resorption and stimulated more regeneration than cautery application. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Reconstruction of Partial Defect of Ear in a Tertiary Care Institute.

Auricle is the outward visible part of ear and composed of skin and cartilage. Auricle due to its standout and projected position is more vulnerable to get injured and cause distortion of the facial aesthetics. Reconstruction of the ear defect should be individualized depending on the defect size, location, nearby skin, patient requirement and surgeon experience. To present the results of various reconstructive options for partial ear defect which will aid in decision making among reconstructive options available. Reconstruction was individualized considering the defect size, depth, location, surrounding skin. In upper 1/3 defect reconstructive options include Antia-Buch chondrocutaneous advancement flap, autogenous cartilage with temporoparietal fascial flap, for middle 1/3 defect options include retroauricular soft tissue tube flap, diefenbach procedure, Autogenous cartilage graft and temporoparietal fascial flap, for lower 1/3 defect reconstructive options include pre auricular flap, triangular repair method, Zenteno Alanis technique. Reconstruction with various techniques results in aesthetically good outcomes. There is no major complication seen in any patient. Reconstruction of ear defect with various options available has good outcome. Planning is important part in reconstruction process. Reconstructive option chosen for a ear defect should be individualized depending on patient characteristics, surgeon experience.

[Research progress of autogenous cartilage scaffold carving method in rhinoplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress of autogenous cartilage scaffold carving method in rhinoplasty. METHODS: The relevant literature about the autogenous cartilage scaffold carving methods in rhinoplasty in resent years at home and abroad was reviewed, and the carving skills, shape, and application scope of different parts of nasal scaffolds were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: Willow-leaf shape is still the main method of cartilage scaffold in the back of the nose. However, in nasal reconstruction, it can be carved into an L-shaped scaffold with the nasal columella scaffold through mortise and tenon structure. And it can also crush the autologous cartilage and wrap it with the autologous fascia tissue to form a new nasal dorsal scaffold. The nasal tip scaffold is improved by changing the shape of traditional nasal tip cartilage cap and wrapping with fascia tissue; the nasal alar scaffold has M-shape, q-shape, carving methods; the nasal columella and nasal septum are mostly used "2+2" combined fixed scaffold. The cartilage scaffolds of lateral nose and nasal base are mainly carved in the shape of "" and crescent. CONCLUSION: As a rhinoplasty scaffold, there are various carving methods for autogenous cartilage. With the innovation of surgical technique and the improvement of sculpting technique, the effect of autologous cartilage graft in rhinoplasty is getting better and better; meanwhile, tissue engineered cartilage is being applied in rhinoplasty.

A new technique in Asian nasal tip plasty: Non-incisional double-layered conchal cartilage graft.

BACKGROUND: The columellar strut graft based on the use of back-to-back autogenous conchal cartilage is one of the most commonly employed invisible grafts used for nasal tip projection. This graft provides an effective means of achieving nasal tip projection but is limited by its flexibility, especially with respect to cephalic rotation. We designed an effective technique that addresses these limitations. METHOD: A total of 38 patients received augmentation rhinoplasty with non-incisionally bent double-layered conchal cartilage columellar strut graft with nasal tip onlay graft. Projection and location of the nasal tip, nasal length, and nasolabial angle were measured using lateral view photographs. Pre- and postoperative results were compared. RESULT: Pre- and postoperative nasal tip projection ratios and nasal tip location ratios were significantly different. Revision surgery was not required in any case and no direct graft-associated complication occurred. CONCLUSION: We performed tip plasty with a modified columellar strut graft, that is, a non-incisionally bent double-layered conchal cartilage columellar strut graft. In most cases, this method resulted in a significant tip projection increase.

Application of autogenous cartilage transplantation in correction of nasal soft-tissue triangle deformities aided by 3D technology / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect of autogenous cartilage transplantation in the correction of nasal soft-tissue triangle deformities aided by 3D technology.Methods:From January 2016 to January 2018, 32 patients with nasal soft-tissue triangle deformities were collected, with 7 males and 25 females, aged from 18 to 32 years (mean 28.5±6.8 years). A part of the costal cartilage/nasal septum cartilage or auricular cartilage was cut as repair material, which was carved into strips, and used as nasal alar rim grafts to reconstruct the dome shape and correct the nasal soft triangle deformities. The costal cartilage or nasal septum cartilage was used to strengthen the support of the columella nasi and augmentation rhinoplasty was performed with prosthesis, and the fascia was placed on nose tip to relieve tension. The surgical results were evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-operative images; statistical analysis was conducted to compare the difference of alar cartilage angle along inside and outside implants before and after the fornix reconstruction, and the difference of maximum distance from the nostrils long shaft to the nose flange between pre- and post-operation, and so the effect of nasal soft triangular deformity correction was evaluated.Results:The alar cartilage angle of the 32 patients was (51.5±10.9)° before surgery, and decreased to (37.2±5.9)° after surgery; the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The maximum distance from the nostrils long shaft to the nose flange was (3.3±0.6) mm before surgery, and it reduced to (1.9±0.7) mm after surgery; the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months, and the result showed that the curative effect was significant, with good appearance and natural feeling, and there were no serious complications, and the satisfactory rate was 87.5%. Conclusions:Autogenous cartilage is used to repair nasal soft-tissue triangle deformities aided by 3D technology; the nasal morphology is improved delicately, and the postoperative satisfaction of curative effect is high, which is an ideal surgical method.

Autologous Rib Microtia Construction: Nagata Technique.

Nagata technique becomes most popular method of autologous rib microtia construction. To achieve successful outcome, 3 keys must be perfect: skin envelope, 3D cartilage framework, and proper location of the construct. The first step of the surgery is to identify "auricular rectangle." Relationship between the auricular rectangle and the vestige will determine if the vestige is usable for surgery. Rib cartilage must be harvested without perichondrium to prevent chest deformity. Lobule split technique is the hallmark of the Nagata technique, which allows skin envelope expansion, and allows deeper conchal cavity. Surgeons must master 3D framework construct before clinical cases.

Namaste (counterbalancing) technique: Overcoming warping in costal cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Indian noses are broader and lack projection as compared to other populations, hence very often need augmentation, that too by large volume. Costal cartilage remains the material of choice in large volume augmentations and repair of complex primary and secondary nasal deformities. One major disadvantage of costal cartilage grafts (CCG) which offsets all other advantages is the tendency to warp and become distorted over a period of time. We propose a simple technique to overcome this menace of warping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the data of 51 patients of rhinoplasty done using CCG with counterbalancing technique over a period of 4 years. RESULTS: No evidence of warping was found in any patient up to a maximum follow-up period of 4 years. CONCLUSION: Counterbalancing is a useful technique to overcome the problem of warping. It gives liberty to utilize even unbalanced cartilage safely to provide desired shape and use the cartilage without any wastage.

Precision carving of costal cartilage graft for contour fill in aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Autogenous costal cartilage is a good option for large volume requirements in rhinoplasty, when septal or conchal cartilages do not suffice. Reluctance to use costal cartilage is due to apprehension of warping. However, warping can be avoided if we follow the principle of balanced section as advocated by Gibson and Davis. "Warping" can also be utilized to change the curvature of the graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have used 69 costal cartilage grafts as a solid piece for contour fill in rhinoplasty in 31 patients over the last 10 years. Principle of balanced section as advocated by Gibson and Davis was adhered to while carving the grafts, however some grafts were allowed to warp to get different sizes and shapes. RESULTS: All the procedures were uneventful. Aesthetic appearance of all patients was satisfactory and acceptable to all the patients. In two cases, the dorsal graft minimally shifted to one side, but remained straight. In one patient, there was late appearance of distortion. CONCLUSION: The mode of cartilage warping is predictable and it can be used to advantage. Apprehension to use costal cartilage graft is unjustified, as with precision carving a desired shape can be obtained.

Long-term inflammatory response to liquid injectable silicone, cartilage, and silicone sheet.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To show and compare the long-term inflammatory responses to subdermal microdroplet injections of 1,000 centistoke (cS) and 5,000 cS liquid injectable silicone (LIS), and to assess the applicability of insulin pen as an alternative LIS delivery device in an animal model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal study. METHODS: Eighteen healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Two graft recipient sites and four injection sites were prepared on each rat's back for: 1) autogenous auricular cartilage graft; 2) silicone sheet; 3) 1,000 cS LIS injection with insulin syringe; 4) 1,000 cS LIS injection with insulin pen; 5) 5,000 cS LIS injection with insulin syringe; and 6) 5,000 cS LIS injection with insulin pen. The animals were followed up for 6 months, and skin biopsies were examined for the evaluation of LIS microdroplets in situ and the degree of inflammatory tissue response. Immunohistochemistry was used for the examination of macrophages and the density of microvessels. RESULTS: Biopsies from 17 animals were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of the number of lymphocytes (P = 0.081), macrophages (P = 0.857), and neutrophils (P = 0.995), the degree of vascular proliferation (P = 0.698), and the mean LIS microdroplet diameter (P = 0.540). Grossly, there was no sign of granuloma formation in any of the specimens. CONCLUSION: There is a low-grade, well-tolerated long-term inflammatory response to microdroplet injections of 1,000 cS and 5,000 cS LIS that is comparable to autogenous cartilage graft in rats. Standard dose delivery devices such as insulin pens can be used for controlled LIS injections. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Grafting in revision rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult aesthetic surgery procedures with a high rate of revision. In revision rhinoplasty the surgeon should explore the patient's concerns and then verify the possibility to satisfy expectations after complete internal and external examination of the nose. For the vast majority of complex secondaries, an open approach is the only reasonable method. In fact, in secondary nasal surgery, because of the scarring process following the primary operation, dissection is tedious, and landmarks are lost. One of the main objectives for the surgeon who approaches secondary rhinoplasty is to restore the structural support of the nose and to replace the lost volume of soft tissues. To achieve this purpose, the surgeon must often rely on grafts. An ideal grafting material must be easy to sculpt, resistant to trauma, infection and extrusion, mechanically stable, inert and readily available. For all these reasons, autogenous cartilage grafts harvested from septum, auricular concha and rib represent the first choice in rhinoplasty. In order to obtain a camouflage graft that provides natural contouring to the nose, temporalis fascia can be used. All these carefully trimmed grafts are useful in tip revision surgery, in secondary surgery of the dorsum and to resolve or reduce functional problems.

Ear reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage ear framework by multi-layer spliced sculpture in microtia patients / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore ear reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage ear framework by multi-layer spliced sculpture in microtia patients.Methods From Feb 2010 to May 2011,29 microtia patients were subjected to ear reconstruction using autologous rib cartilage ear framwork by four-layer spliced sculpture.Results In one operation 29 patients achieved 2 cm transverse height of reconstructed ears which were basically coincidence with the normal side.Patents and their families were all satisfied with the results.Follow-up of 3-12 months showed that only 1 case reconstructed-ear height was significantly lower transverse process.Owing to sleeping position,the patient did not protect the reconstructed ear,leading to frequent reconstructed-ear pressure.Conclusions The method of multi-layer spliced sculpture autologous rib cartilage ear reconstruction has good clinical effect.It can make reconstructed ear reach nomal transverse height and avoid the third rib cartilage transplant operation to continue increasing the transvers height.

Baseblock Sculpturing Using the Scoring Technique for the Reconstruction of Ear

Total auricular reconstruction with autogenous tissue remains one of the greatest technical challenges for reconstructive plastic surgeons because of the ear's complex morphology with delicately convoluted cartilages and very thin skin. In a successfully created ear, a natural three-dimensional illusion visualized from the patient's profile, frontal, and posterior views is crucial. Accordingly ear framework should have adequate lateral aspect as well as suitable frontal aspect even before being lifted to this purpose. For this goal, rib cartilage should be harvested from three-dimensionally adequate area. It is the most essential point in framework fabrication that the baseblock should have semi-cup curvature via multiple parallel cuts made on its medial surface. Between January 1999 and May 2003, we performed 29 cases of total ear reconstruction with autogenous rib cartilage graft using this scoring technique and obtained satisfactory results, which showed more natural appearance visualized from the patient's profile, frontal, and posterior views.