Question:
How is alloderm used in rhinoplasty and is it a good option if you need portions of the nose built up?
Answer:
Alloderm is an absorbable processed graft of human dermis. It is processed to remove all of the cellular components so that only a sheet of human collagen that will not be rejected remains. It can be useful to provide some camouflage to areas of bony irregularity or to add thickness to an area of thinned out skin. The material will absorb completely within a year in most instances however so the result may be temporary. I personally do not use alloderm in rhinoplasty. If an area truly needs to be built up then cartilage grafts are usually used. Occasionally Gortex or other permanent alloplastic substance may be used, but this is rare in my practice.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
