Abstract
Dorsal augmentation is an essential procedure not only for Asians, who generally have
indistinct and poorly developed nasal bridges, but also for Africans and Caucasians,
who have similar dorsal deficiencies. There is no single ideal implant or graft for
dorsal augmentation. Dorsal augmentation with autologous materials is considered ideal
by many surgeons. However, harvesting autologous material is associated with donor-site
complications, and these materials are difficult to handle and shape. Despite concerns
over complications such as infection, extrusion, and deviation, alloplastic implant
materials such as silicone or Gore-Tex have a critically important role in typical
cosmetic dorsal augmentation due to their ease of use in producing a cosmetically
appealing outcome and evading donor-site complications. A thorough understanding of
the shape of an aesthetically pleasing nose, appropriate surgical technique, and proper
management methods for complications are the mainstay for the success of dorsal augmentation
using alloplastic implants.
Keywords
dorsal augmentation - alloplastic implant materials - silicone - Gore-Tex
