Clinical application of biotechnically cultured autologous chondrocytes as novel graft material for nasal augmentation

Abstract

A new method of nasal augmentation has been developed, in which cultured autologous chondrocytes are transplanted. Using biotechnology, a piece of the choncha cartilage 1 cm2 is cultured into a gel-type mass of chondrocytes, which then is transplanted by injection into a surgically created subperiosteal skin pocket on the nasal dorsum. The augmented nose is taped and protected for 1 week. The grafted chondrocytes develop into mature cartilaginous tissue after approximately 1 month. This method was used in eight cases of nasal augmentation, and one case of chin augmentation (performed simultaneously), and one case of depressed deformity on the forehead. The results obtained by this method to date have been satisfactory after a follow-up time of 6 to 24 months. The authors believe that this method may at least partially be able to replace silicone implantation for nasal augmentation.