A new type of prosthesis for augmentation rhinoplasty: our experience in 1600 cases.

Study of the elasticity of the skin of the nose, the direction of muscle movement and the mobility of the nasal cartilages shows clearly that the human nose is not simply a lump of flesh consisting of bone, cartilage, muscle and skin, but a subtle aesthetic combination of anatomical form and physiological function. A new basal prosthesis has been introduced which avoids the drawbacks of a rigid prosthesis of uniform hardness. By incorporating silicones of varying hardness and using a new design we have a choice of three different prostheses which can fulfill many of the desired aesthetic and functional requirements of reconstructive rhinoplasty. This new type of prosthesis has now been used in 1600 cases with satisfying results.