Objective: To investigate the surgical methods and outcome of reshaping the nose by using autologous cartilage grafting-silicone gel complex combined with trimming the lower lateral cartilages and thinning the superfluous tissue of the tip.
Methods: Between May 2006 and July 2008, 36 patients with ugly nose shape received open nasal plasty by thinning the superfluous tissue and trimming the lower lateral cartilages combined with implant of auto-cartilage and silicone gel complex. There were 3 males and 33 females with an average age of 23 years (range, 18-36 years), including 20 cases of hypertrophy and obtuse round of nasal tip, 10 cases of flat of nasal tip, 2 cases of slight nostril exposure, and 4 cases of small whole nose with hypertrophy of nasal tip. Among them, 8 cases received 2-time operations.
Results: All incisions achieved healing by first intention. No deformation and complication occurred at donor sites of cartilage. The appearance, contour, color, and touch sensation of the nose were satisfactory and no complications of prosthesis exposure and skin redness of the nasal tip occurred. At 3-5 months after operation, the appearance of the nasal tip was satisfactory when part of the soft tissue was absorbed. Thirty-two patients were followed up 3-12 months (6 months on average), who were satisfied with the appearance of nose with good correct rate.
Conclusion: Nasal plasty by using auto-cartilage grafting and silicone implant combined with trimming the lower lateral cartilages and thinning the superfluous tissue of the tip is an effective method especially for round or bulbous nasal tip.