Outcomes of Autologous Versus Irradiated Homologous Costal Cartilage Graft in Rhinoplasty.

Autologous costal cartilage (ACC) and irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty when there is insufficient septal cartilage for grafting. To assess the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with either ACC or IHCC as measured by rates of infection, resorption, warping, and revision rate. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent rhinoplasty with ACC or IHCC at a single academic institution was performed. Demographic data, surgical details, antibiotic use, and outcomes, including surgical duration, infection, resorption, warping, and revision rate, were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression. One hundred forty-three patients were identified. The median age was 48 years (interquartile range: 35-57.5) and 62.2% ( = 89) were female, 61 patients (42.7%) underwent ACC, and 82 (57.3%) IHCC. Revision rate in both groups was similar (ACC = 14.8%, IHCC = 14.6%;  = 0.98). There was no difference in infection rate (ACC = 4.9%, IHCC = 3.7%;  = 0.71). Postoperative deformity and nasal obstruction were the most common indications for revision surgery. Surgical time was shorter with IHCC ( < 0.01). Mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (±25) for ACC, and 16 months (±12) for IHCC. ACC and IHCC are similar in terms of effectiveness and safety in septorhinoplasty.