ABSTRACT
Revision rhinoplasty can be one of the most complicated procedures performed by the
facial plastic surgeon. As septal cartilage is often not available in revision procedures,
grafting material is often needed. This material can come in the form of autogenous
bone and cartilage. Allografts also can be used, including mersilene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,
and porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE). In this article, emphasis is placed
on the senior author's method in evaluating candidates for revision rhinoplasty as
well as techniques using PHDPE. In addition, the properties of the more commonly used
allografts are described, including the advantages and disadvantages of using each
material in revision rhinoplasty procedures. In comparing the various alloplastic
materials available, it is shown that PHDPE has properties that make it an excellent
implant for revision rhinoplasty.
KEYWORDS
Revision rhinoplasty - rhinoplasty - porous high-density polyethylene