Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biological characteristics of four kinds of nose augmentation materials, and to provide evidene for clinicians to select the ideal augmentation material.
METHODS: A computer search of Wanfang database was performed for articles published from January 1999 to December 2009 about the clinical studies of nose augmentation materials. Repeated study, review or Meta analysis were excluded, 18 literatures were included to evaluate the biological properties of nose augmentation materials.
RESULTS: Among a variety of fillings in nasal plastic surgery, autologous cartilage is the most safe and reliable material, but the source limitations restrict its widely application. Polytetrafluoroethylene is a new ideal material for nose augmentation, but it is not available by the majority of affected patients due to the price, at present, solid silicone rubber is still the main material for augmentation rhinoplasty.
CONCLUSION: The ideal nose augmentation material should be easily obtained, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-immunogenic, good biocompatible and not easily deformed. Now the widely used solid silicone rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, autologous cartilage and other materials have advantages and disadvantages, we should select the appropriate augmentation material based on patient’s different conditions and economic situation.