Introduction: Several grafts and/or implants have been used for dorsal augmentation. In some cases, especially the traumatic, non-caucasian, and multi-operated ones, the amount of augmentation is higher than the usually available from septal and auricular conchal autografts.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasal dorsum augmentation using diced autologous costal cartilage wrapped in temporal fascia in rhinoplasty.

Design: A prospective study of 5 consecutive patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation with diced autologous costal cartilage wrapped in temporal fascia, during a 1-year period.

Setting: One major academic medical center.

Main outcome measures: The evaluation included regular clinical examination in the office, photographic study, post-operative complications, and the degree of aesthetic satisfaction of the patient.

Results: All patients were satisfied and with no aesthetic complaints. No dorsum irregularities, graft bent or palpable cartilages were found. Graft absorption appears to be minimum in a 1-year follow-up.

Discussion: Currently there are several techniques to achieve dorsum augmentation. The use of autologous costal cartilage remains a demanding task in rhinoplasty. To achieve precise control and long-term impact on the shape and alignment of the graft is extremely challenging. In an attempt to alleviate these problems, the use of diced costal cartilage involved in temporal fascia has grown increasingly.

Conclusion: Nasal dorsum augmentation using diced autologous costal cartilage wrapped in temporal fascia is very safe, with a low complication rate, and a high patient aesthetic satisfaction.

Conflict of interest : None declared.