[Stabilizing cartilage grafts in functional-aesthetic rhinoplasty].

BACKGROUND: While traditionally most rhinoplastic operations were dominated by tissue resection, more and more surgeons emphasize the importance of restructuring and stabilizing the nose by cartilage grafts and suture techniques. This development in rhinosurgery is the result of long term experience showing that insufficient stabilization of nasal structures often leads to sequelae such as nasal valve collapse and tip ptosis, even decades after surgery.

METHOD: Brief survey of five of the most important stabilizing cartilage grafts, i. e. spreader grafts, lateral crural grafts, alar batten grafts, the columellar strut graft, and the septal extension graft, with presentation of case reports.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Cartilage grafts play a key role in the pursuit of obtaining functionally and aesthetically durable long term results in rhinoplasty.