Radix Graft - a Powerful Tool to Achieve Facial Harmony
To describe the anatomical importance of the radix in achieving better results in rhinoplasty techniques, with improved outcomes in overall facial harmony
Methods/Technique:
We describe the technique of utilizing auricular conchal cartilage wrapped in Surgicel®️Absorbable Hemostat (Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose) in mestizo noses in patients that required augmentation of low and deep radix, in order to achieve proper length of the nose, with improved postoperative results and patient satisfaction due to the better harmony created within the nose and with all other facial structures. Our technique consisted in open structural rhinoplasty with the procedure performed in an orderly fashion consisting of: removal of conchal cartilage through a posterior auricular approach, reduction of the dorsum, septoplasty if required, management of the nasal tip, with sutures and/or cartilage, preparation of the auricular graft and placement, and finally lateral internal osteotomies, if required. The radix graft was fixed with an external suture that was removed on postoperative day 7. Patients were taped externally in combination with rigid splinting. The taping continued through postoperative week two, and the rigid splint was removed on postoperative day 7
Results/Complications:
Our results demostrate satisfactory outcomes in achieving consistent results in rhinoplasty, with improved nasal aesthetics and overall better facial harmony. Our technique of wrapping auricular cartilage with Surgicel®️ did not demonstrate graft palpability, exposure or migration. It also proved to be a reproducible technique with a small amount of added operative time
Conclusion:
The addition of a radix graft is a powerful option to achieve nasal harmony, especially in mestizo noses that are short and tend to have a deep radix. The technique is simple, with a short learning curve and with great aesthetic reward that improves rhinoplasty results as well as overall facial harmony.