Modified Drilled Extended Spreader Grafts in Asian Rhinoplasty: Clinical Application and Histopathological Analysis

Abstract

Background: Extended Spreader Grafts (ESGs) are widely used for both esthetic and functional purpose in rhinoplasty. This study aims to examine the effects of drilling on ESGs in rhinoplasty and their clinical benefits, as well as to analyze their histologic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing esthetic rhinoplasty using drilled ESGs with autologous costal cartilage by a senior surgeon from January 2018 to April 2022. Results: A total of 80 patients were included, with a mean follow-up period of 26 months. Revision operations were performed on 4 patients. The phenomenon of tissue ingrowth from the septum mucoperichondrium to the septal cartilage through the holes of the drilled ESGs was observed in all 4 patients. Specimens of the ingrown tissue were taken from 3 patients during their revision surgeries. Vascular structures and connective tissue were observed in the specimens after fixation, paraffin embedding, and staining with hematoxylin-eosin. No other complications were observed except for 2 cases presenting cartilage warping after surgery. Conclusion: Application of the drilled ESGs is a simple but effective approach, which has 3 significant advantages in rhinoplasty: enhancing the stability of the cartilaginous framework through connective tissue ingrowth, preserving the septal cartilage, and providing septum vitality by allowing the formation of vascular structures between the perichondrium and the septal cartilage; reducing the probability of warping in early stages through release the tension force of the cartilage itself. Level of Evidence: Level IV.