Secondary Rhinoplasty In The Asian Patient

Abstract

Objective: To present the author’s technique and discuss the special considerations in the Asian patient requiring secondary rhinoplasty with removal of an alloplastic implant coupled with autogenous reconstruction. Design: Case presentation. Results: A 53 year old Asian female is 20 years status post alloplastic implant augmentation rhinoplasty by another provider. She subsequently suffered recurrent infection and chronic pain in the nose. The implant was removed and the nose reconstructed using autogenous auricular cartilage. Conclusion: Secondary rhinoplasty in the Asian patient who has previously undergone alloplastic implant presents a special set of challenges. While removal of a problem implant is therapeutic, the aesthetic bar is high and reconstruction requires large, stable, and well fashioned cartilage grafts. Attention to detail is critical in achieving a favorable result.