The Use of Acellular Human Dermis as a Dorsal Camouflaging Graft in Rhinoplasty.

Background

Acellular human dermis (AHD) has many uses in rhinoplasty, but its long-term use as a camouflaging graft has not been adequately described.

Objective

To measure the long-term outcomes (infections/contour irregularities) of AHD used as a camouflage graft in rhinoplasty.

Methods

A retrospective study of 91 patients who underwent rhinoplasty requiring AHD as a camouflage graft for a 20-year time period (2000-2020) was performed. Complications, revisions, and long-term outcomes were assessed. Surgical technique for AHD use as a dorsal and tip camouflage graft was described in detail and illustrated using intraoperative photography.

Results

Of the 91 patients who required AHD in their rhinoplasties, 70 (77%) were performed in revision cases to thicken thinned and scarred skin envelopes. Only 1% had postoperative contour problems that were attributable to AHD, and only 3% had resorption of the AHD. Four percent had postoperative infections, all of which resolved with a single course of oral antibiotics. Patients were followed a mean of 3.8 years.

Conclusions

AHD can be a safe, effective, and readily available option for use in thickening the nasal skin envelope in rhinoplasty.