Augmentation

Making something bigger. Dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty can be done with grafts, implants, and allografts.

Augmentation in rhinoplasty means adding height, volume, or structural support to part of the nose. It is often used to build up a low bridge, improve the transition between the forehead and nose, restore an area that was overreduced during previous surgery, or strengthen a nose affected by trauma or collapse. Augmentation may involve the radix, bridge, sidewalls, tip, or more than one area.

Several materials can be used depending on the amount of support needed and the patient’s anatomy. Cartilage from the septum, ear, or rib is commonly used because it comes from the patient’s own body. Processed cartilage allografts and synthetic implants are additional options in selected cases. Each material has different strengths, limitations, and risks, so the choice is based on the location of the deficiency and the amount of correction required.