The use of Medpor© alloplastic material in rhinoplasty: experience and outcomes

Abstract

Surgeons often avoid the use of alloplastic materials in functional rhinoplasty due to potential complications. The aim of the present study is to present the outcomes following the use of alloplastic materials in a large series of patients, to identify and document the possible complications and to offer insight regarding the safety and the indications of the method.

Materials and method: Between February 2005 and August 2009, 58 patients underwent functional rhinoplasty using Medpor(®) alloplastic materials by a single surgeon (A.S). The majority of the alloplastic materials were used to reconstruct defects of the nasal dorsum as well as to augment the columella and support the nasal tip.

Results: Medpor(®) was used in the nasal dorsum in eight patients and in the columella in 50 patients. There were 10 cases of primary and 48 cases of secondary rhinoplasty. Follow-up time ranged from 1 to 5 years (mean: 3 years). Complications concerned three cases of postoperative infection and material rejection. All cases were successfully re-operated.

Conclusion: The use of Medpor(®) alloplastic material in functional rhinoplasty comprises a safe method in selected patients due to the low complication rate, as shown in our series. It could therefore be considered as a useful alternative when reconstruction is problematic due to low quality or lack of available autologous grafts.