Alloderm for nose tip?

Question

asian, have to take out my L implant that has shifted n made my tip VERY thin. a dr said he'll use alloderm on nosetip to protect the thin skin. my nose is flat and bulbous w/o implant. what is alloderm and can it build my nose tip to make it look more caucasian? i want a defined tip. i cant use implant since i have septal perforation and it'll cause infection if i use foreign material. i'd like to have a bridge but self rib will be too invasive

Andrew L. Greensmith, MBChB, FRACS · Answer

A dermis fat graft can really work well - it can make the nasal bridge skin look more healthy and help build the bridge up - it is taken from a non-hairy part of your body say the groin area or anywhere else if you have a scar there already

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

yes this can be used. Personally I prefer using soft tissue from the scalp and Esr cartilage and no foreign material.  Each surgeon has his preference but I always prefer to use the patient's own tissue to minimize risk.

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  I would not use alloderm for your tip.  Alloderm is cadaver dermis which is soft and not predictable as far as how much will survive or take.  If you used alloderm, you would have a soft, mushy tip. The tip of you nose is supposed to have cartilage in it.  I would use cartilage from behind your ear to get your tip more projected.  This is very predictable and it is the way that it should be done.  If you go to my website, you will see cases that had cartilage tip grafts.  Good luck.  Dr. Pontell

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

hi there,  It looks like you have good answers to your questions from other rhinoplasty surgeons in the forum. I agree some surgeons do use Alloderm and other options are available. I just wanted to point out that if your are considering rib grafting you can consider using donated irradiated rib grafting. It is very safe and has been used for many years now. It is a good option for bridge augmentation.  It does have the risk of warping, meaning twisting. Discuss with your surgeon if this would be advisable in your case. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Alloderm is an acellular dermal matrix or basically a skin substitute derived from cadaver skin.  It can help reinforce thin tissues. It will not build up your tip to any great extent.

Alloderm for nose tip?

Answers (6)