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Revision Rhinoplasty Using Porous High-Density Polyethylene Implants to Reestablish Ethnic Identity

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Abstract

Background

This study aimed to evaluate a surgical technique used for patients requiring revision rhinoplasty to reestablish their ethnic identity.

Methods

A retrospective review involved 29 patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty to reestablish their ethnic identity using residual septal cartilage and porous polyethylene implants. The follow-up period ranged from 6 month to 7 years.

Results

For all patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty, multiple porous polyethylene implants were used to reestablish ethnic identity and to restore nasal function. Implant extrusion developed in one (3.4%) of the 29 patients. There were no cases of postimplant infection.

Conclusions

In our experience, patients who feel they have lost their ethnic identity after primary rhinoplasty tend to have overresected dorsal cartilage and bone and overresected tip cartilages. The use of multiple porous polyethylene implants in revision rhinoplasty to restore ethnic identity can provide the necessary grafting material needed for reconstruction. Many grafting options are available. According to our experience, porous polyethylene provides safe, effective, and reliable results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Thomas Romo III, Edward S. Kwak & Anthony P. Sclafani

  2. Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Thomas Romo III & Anthony P. Sclafani

  3. Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Thomas Romo III

  4. 135A East 74th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Thomas Romo III

Authors
  1. Thomas Romo III
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  2. Edward S. Kwak
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  3. Anthony P. Sclafani
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Correspondence to Thomas Romo III.

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Romo, T., Kwak, E.S. & Sclafani, A.P. Revision Rhinoplasty Using Porous High-Density Polyethylene Implants to Reestablish Ethnic Identity. Aesth Plast Surg 30, 679–684 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-006-0049-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-006-0049-0

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