Tutoplast-processed fascia lata for dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVE: Tutoplast-processed fascia lata (TPFL) is a commercially available homograft, which has been successfully used as human graft tissue for physical support procedures. The present report evaluates the use of TPFL in rhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study involved a retrospective analysis of rhinoplasty cases using TPFL. The study population consisted of 69 patients (52 male and 17 female) and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: TPFL was used as a smoothening graft after correction of deviated and hump noses, as a major dorsal contouring graft for saddle or flat noses, and in secondary rhinoplasty following silicone implant complications. TPFL alone was used in 41 cases and in combination with other material in 28 cases. The only complication was major resorption in three cases, with two being secondary rhinoplasty patients. CONCLUSION: TPFL alone or in combination with other materials can be used as a dorsal augmentation material in rhinoplasty. TPFL was particularly useful for correction of dorsal irregularities and in cases requiring a minimal amount of augmentation. (C) 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.