Diced Cartilage Grafts Semi-wrapped in Rectus Abdominis Fascia for Nasal Dorsum Augmentation.

[BACKGROUND] Diced costal cartilage wrapped in autogenous fascia is favored by rhinoplasty surgeons because of its high stability and low resorption rate. However, the volume of fascial bags is difficult to adjust, and diced costal cartilage is prone to undernourishment.

[OBJECTIVES] The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect, long-term absorption rate, and patient satisfaction of filling the nasal dorsum with autogenous diced costal cartilage semiwrapped in autogenous rectus abdominis fascia.

[METHODS] From May 2020 to December 2022, a total of 95 patients with costal cartilage nasal repair were enrolled in this study. After constructing a nasal tip scaffold with costal cartilage, the autologous rectus abdominal fascia was introduced into the stripped dorsal nasal space and fixed at the golden point of the nasal root. The prepared autologous diced costal cartilage was injected into the dorsal nasal space, and shaped according to the height and curvature of the preoperative design.

[RESULTS] During follow-up of 18 to 24 months, the morphology was satisfactory, the bilateral transition was natural and smooth, and there was no graininess at the back of the nose. Four cases had slight depression in the nasal tip turning area more than half a year after the operation. The absorption rate of the graft was about 10%.

[CONCLUSIONS] Autogenous diced costal cartilage semiwrapped in autogenous rectus abdominis fascia has low absorption, a relatively natural postoperative effect, and high patient satisfaction as a nasal dorsum filler. It may be particularly suitable for those who have nose repair after infection, take nasal dorsal bone powder, or have thinning, redness, and light transmission after thread carving.