Use of septal cartilage homografts in rhinoplasty.

We present a case report demonstrating the long-term survival of homologous cartilage grafts in the nose. There are no histological changes in homografts compared with autologous cartilage. The importance of an adequate technique of preservation as well as the possibility of viral transmission, are discussed. In our opinion, septal cartilage is the best reason for nasal repair, before auricular or costal cartilages. We consider the use of homologous septal cartilage a useful technique basically indicated when a cartilage graft is considered necessary, but there is insufficient autologous cartilage available.