Utility of Cartilage Grafts Wrapped With Amniotic Membrane in Dorsal Nasal Augmentation.

[OBJECTIVES] The success of rhinoplasty may be compromised with postoperative problems like rough and rigid nasal dorsum. Biological grafts or alloplastic materials are required to hurdle and correct nasal dorsal deformities and also irregularities. The purpose of this experimental study was to compare pure cartilage graft, cartilage graft wrapped in amniotic membrane, and diced cartilage grafts wrapped in amniotic membrane for soft tissue augmentation.

[METHODS] All grafts were transplanted through a subcutaneous tunnel created in the nasal dorsum of 18 rats, 6 in each group. After 3 months follow-up, the histopathological changes in all groups were evaluated by light microscopy and volumetric measurements.

[RESULTS] With regard to cartilage viability, cartilage wrapped in amniotic membrane had a higher success rate than pure cartilage graft. Also, a further increased success rate was found in the diced group.

[CONCLUSIONS] In the soft tissue augmentation after rhinoplasty surgery, especially diced cartilage wrapped in amniotic membrane keeps the graft viable and adjoined.