Background: Various grafting materials are widely used in rhinoplasty. However, the choice of the optimal material in different clinical situations remains a matter of debate. The author analyzes the available literature on the various materials used in rhinoplasty to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Methods: For literature analysis, Cochrane Library, Embase and PubMed websites were searched. Autograft, (septal cartilage, auricular cartilage, costal cartilage), allograft, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, PRP, fluid cartilage, rhinofiller and alloplastic implants, were used as search keywords; the effectiveness of the use of each material, resorption results, complications, functional and aesthetic satisfaction of patients were evaluated. From the 127 articles considered in the analysis, 57 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included. Autologous cartilage grafts are widely used for dorsal augmentation. Autografts can provide varying amounts of cartilage when high structural stability is required, bone can be used. However, surgery to harvest a cartilage autograft is not in all cases acceptable to patients due to the duration of the operation and can cause unpleasant complications at the donor site, such as prolonged pain, pneumothorax, and scarring. An alternative to autograft is allografts (irradiated and non-irradiated rib) and the acellular dermal matrix has the advantage of eliminating the need for an additional surgical site.
Conclusions: With this comprehensive review, the authors hope to clarify the choice of the most optimal material, which can enable the surgeon to obtain a stable nasal architecture, optimal aesthetic and functional results. Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for selecting an appropriate rhinoplasty material.