Use of hyaluronic acid matrix in dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty.

Augmentation rhinoplasty sometimes is required for patients with saddle nose deformity caused by failed rhinoplasty or facial trauma; finding appropriate grafting material remains a significant problem for this procedure. We investigated hyaluronic acid matrix as an allograft for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty in a rabbit model. We performed an osteotomy on the nasal bones of eight rabbits. Four animals were sham operated as the control group and four were administered a mixture of saline-gelled hyaluronic acid matrix and sliced cartilage. Ultrasonography and three-dimensional reconstruction tomography were performed at the end of the experimental period. After sacrifice of the animals, nasal tissues were examined for histopathology, and both collagen scores and number of capillaries were compared between the two groups. Increased collagen and capillaries were apparent in the hyaluronic acid matrix group compared to controls. The median collagen score was significantly greater for the hyaluronic acid matrix group than for the control group. Although the number of capillaries for the hyaluronic acid matrix group was greater than for the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. Three weeks is sufficient for adhesion of ends of fractures in clinical practice; however, we found no ossification at this time in either group. A hyaluronic acid matrix may be a useful alternative supplement for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty. Development of collagen was commensurate with membranous ossification; however, assessment of complete ossification requires a longer experimental period.

Effects of hyaluronic acid on the bone healing after lateral osteotomy: an experimental animal model.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative comfort of the patients undergoing rhinoplasty might be poor because of edema and ecchymosis caused by lateral osteotomy. In this animal experiment, we aimed at performing a quantitative assessment of effects of hyaluronic acid usage on healing process of lateral osteotomy. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits with a weight of 2000-2500 kg and an age of 8-12 weeks were included. Under anesthesia, nasal dorsums were exposed with midline incision and lateral osteotomies on both sides were performed using a 2 mm chisel. A hyaluronic acid-based mesh (Hyalonect®) (1 × 1 cm) was embedded on the left osteotomy areas of all rabbits. Right osteotomy areas were left blank as control group. Collagen density and capillary development were quantitatively compared. RESULTS: Convergence of fracture lines was observed in 6 (60%) of 10 samples from Hyalonect® group, while was observed in 4 (40%) of 10 samples from control group. Although a higher rate of convergence was seen in the Hyalonect® group (60% vs 40%), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.5). Median collagen score was 2 (1-3) in the Hyalonect® group and 1 (1-2) in the control group. Median capillary count value was 4 (1-23) in the Hyalonect® group and 3 (1-17) in the control group. Both collagen score and capillary count values were significantly greater in the in the Hyalonect® group compared with the control group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: The effects of hyaluronic acid-based meshes on the bone healing process of the lateral osteotomy area might be investigated furthermore, on more comprehensive studies, as a material facilitating collagen organization and capillary development.