Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Combined with Human Acellular Dermis Matrix for the Nasal Reconstruction in Patients with Postoperative Deformities.

INTRODUCTION

Augmentation rhinoplasty is one of five aesthetic surgeries in the world. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has been reported as a rational choice to augment the nasal dorsum and tip. However, its application for nasal tip augmentation has some debates. This study presented a technique using ePTFE grafts combined with human acellular dermis matrix (HADM) to reconstruct a deformed nose caused by previous rhinoplasties.

METHODS

50 female patients who came to the hospital from 08/2022 to 09/2022 for surgical revision of their nasal deformity. ePTFE was applied to reconstruct the nasal dorsum, tip, and columella strut. HADM grafts were utilized to reinforce the reconstructed framework. Patients were evaluated for at least 12 months for both aesthetic and functional results.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the nasal dorsal length increased from 38.9 ± 1.32 to 43.4 ± 1.22 mm; while, the projection of the nasal tip also raised from 19.8 ± 1.16 to 23.9 ± 1.05 mm. 38 patients (76%) reported that their breathing and smelling were improved compared to preoperatively. No cases had implant reactions, extrusion, or warping columella strut. Most of the patients (84%) were satisfied with the surgical outcomes. Three patients (6%) had redness at the nasal tip. The nasal tip of ten patients (20%) was hardened for 3 months postoperatively. There were 6% of patients who developed an infection and 2% of patients had asymmetric soft tissues of the tip 3 postoperative months.

CONCLUSION

This technique brought satisfactory aesthetic and functional results to patients, with no extrusion or rejection observed 12 months postoperatively. Infection was a prominent complication that should be considered and strictly monitored.

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