Radix grafts in cosmetic rhinoplasty: lessons from an 8-year review

Overview

The radix is the low point of the nose between the eyes. When it sits too deep, the nose looks short and any hump looks bigger. Adding a small graft there is a common step in cosmetic rhinoplasty. The authors describe their experience over eight years and what they learned about getting it right.

Sections of note

• Descriptive review of one practice's eight-year experience; the abstract gives no patient numbers, follow-up or complication rates.
• Both autologous and synthetic graft materials were used.
• Topics: patient selection, graft materials, dealing with complications and operative technique.
• Patient examples are provided.
• The authors state the aim of providing insight into maximizing success.

What it means for a patient

• A deep nasal root can be filled during rhinoplasty, which can reduce how much hump must be removed and make the nose look longer.
• Graft options include the patient's own cartilage or fascia and manufactured materials; the abstract does not say which the authors prefer or how each performed.
• Expert experience only; no figures on visibility, shifting or revision of radix grafts are given in the abstract.

Why this paper matters

Radix augmentation is a subtle maneuver that changes the whole profile, and a graft that shifts or shows is a common revision complaint. This review consolidates one group's lessons. Comparative data between materials are not presented.

Terms

• Radix: the root of the nose, the deepest point between the eyes.
• Radix graft: a small graft placed at the root to raise it.
• Autologous graft: tissue taken from the patient's own body.
• Synthetic graft: a manufactured implant material.
• Nasofrontal angle: the angle between the forehead and the bridge at the radix.
• Cosmetic rhinoplasty: nose surgery done for appearance.