Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Question

My surgeon hacked off my bridge and radix... an obscene amount of bone and cartilage. Now I am looking at ways to rebuild my nose. Can facial SMAS be used to augment the radix and part of the dorsum?

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

Theoretically, yes. It can be used as an augmentation material for the nose. It would require incisions similar to facelifting type incisions to harvest the material. But it not what most most experienced surgeons would consider the best choice for repairing a saddle nose deformity from on over-resected nasal dorm. 
There are lots of alternative materials, including ear cartilage, septal cartilage, rib cartilage, as well as other graft material such as Alloderm or dermal grafts in combination with cartilage to repair a saddle nose deformity. There are also artificial implants that can be used, such as Gore-Tex or Silastic. Most experienced surgeons shy away from artificial materials as they can create additional problems.  It would make sense to seek consultation with an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate your situation and what options exist for you.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It is best to use cartilage from the nasal septum, ear, or rib, when augmenting the nasal skeleton.  SMAS tissue is not generally used as it can be quite uneven.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

While the soft tissue composing the SMAS can be used in the nose, it is too soft to provide lift or support to the bony bridge, as you ask.  For these areas, cartilage tends to work better, with preferential graft sites including the nasal septum, ear, and rib cartilage, depending on needs and amount of cartilage available.  Discuss your concerns and goals with your surgeon, and good luck with your treatment.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When performing augmentation rhinoplasty,  the gold standard is to use patients own nasal cartilage to build up the bridge line.  Revision rhinoplasty is more difficult than a primary rhinoplasty, therefore a full set of facial photographs, and in-person examination is usually required to make that determination. Choose your second surgeon very wisely based on extensive experience

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many Rhinoplasty Surgeries over the past 30 years.  SMAS is a thin muscle layer in the face and would not have the volume or stiffness to properly augment the nasal bridge.  A silastic dorsal graft can be used to rebuild the nasal bridge.Hope this helps.

Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Could facial SMAS be used in augmentation rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could facial SMAS be used in augmentation rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

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Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Could facial SMAS be used in augmentation rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could facial SMAS be used in augmentation rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Could Facial SMAS be used in Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.