Use of costal cartilage cantilever grafts in negroid rhinoplasties.

Abstract

Dorsal augmentation and nasal tip refinement are important objectives in Negroid rhinoplasty. Use of a costal cartilage cantilever graft will achieve these objectives. We report on our experience in 19 patients. The technique offers an excellent solution to supplying the large amount of material often required to adequately augment the dorsum in these patients. The graft is also versatile enough to allow nasal tip refinement. There are additional aesthetic benefits as the cantilever causes a lengthening in the nasal columella, a reduction in the flare of the nostrils, and increases the columellar-labial angle. The procedure is relatively simple to perform. The problem of warping is minimized by symmetrical carving and the use of large grafts with a substantial cross-section.