Facial contouring with outer-table calvarial bone. A 4-year experience.

The long-term fate of outer table calvarial bone has not been previously well established in terms of graft resorption and resultant contour in the face. A 4-year experience is presented with an emphasis on these areas. Eight hundred fifty grafts were placed in the face on 170 patients during this study period. A subgroup consisting of the nasal region was selected for a detailed analysis, since this complex could be readily evaluated, and the results have paralleled the remaining group. Although partial resorption is seen at most sites, ranging from insignificant to 30%, excellent contour has been achieved throughout the face and maintained in all but a few cases. The areas of maximum resorption and contour change were seen at the nasal dorsum and lateral posterior mandible.