Cartilage regeneration: a clinical and experimental study.

Regeneration of the alar cartilage has been observed in patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty. Material preserved from the first procedure was compared to that removed at the secondary procedure. Microscopic findings confirm the cartilage regrowth. An experimental study was undertaken to determine if cartilage regeneration could be reproduced in animals. White New Zealand rabbits were utilized in the study. Gross and microscopic findings indicate that cartilage does regenerate if the perichondrium is not removed.