Management of the Severe Bulbous Nasal Tip Using Porous Polyethylene Alloimplants

Thomas Romo III; Jason A. Litner; Anthony P. Sclafani

doi:10.1055/s-2004-815654

Facial Plastic Surgery, Table of Contents

Facial Plast Surg 2003; 19(4): 341-348
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815654

Management of the Severe Bulbous Nasal Tip Using Porous Polyethylene Alloimplants

Thomas Romo, III^1,2,3,4 , Jason A. Litner¹ , Anthony P. Sclafani^1,2,3

¹Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY
²Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY
³Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
⁴Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Reliable outcomes in correction of the severely bulbous nasal tip remain elusive. Reduction and binding of the tip cartilages result in a partial external nasal valve collapse. If a concurrent dorsal hump reduction is accomplished and osteotomies are completed to close the open roof deformity, then a severe constriction of the external valve may result. This is best avoided by resection of the residual lower lateral cartilages and substitution with external valve batten implants. The tripod of nasal tip supports is then rigidly reconstituted. When autogenous graft materials are considered inadequate or undesirable, the surgeon may safely use porous polyethylene alloimplants to support the external nasal valve. A dependable surgical technique based on extensive experience with these materials is outlined.

KEYWORDS

Rhinoplasty - severe bulbous tip - alloimplants - porous polyethylene

Full Text

References

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