The findings of this study underscore the significant benefits and feasibility of the diced cartilage fascia (DCF) technique for rhinoplasty, especially in resource-limited and conflict-affected settings. The demographic distribution of the participants, with a majority of young adults and a higher percentage of females, aligns with previous studies reporting that rhinoplasty is often sought by younger populations to improve both functional and esthetic outcomes [14, 15].
Our study demonstrated a substantial improvement in nasal esthetics and function, as evidenced by the increase in A-B line measurements from a preoperative mean of 16.75 mm to a postoperative mean of 21 mm. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies highlighting the effectiveness of the DCF technique in enhancing nasal projection and contour. Calvert (2009) and Kreutzer et al. (2017) reported that DCF techniques are effective for smoothening, augmenting, and camouflaging the nasal dorsum[16, 17]. Additionally, the significant reduction in NOSE scores from 52.8 ± 22.2 to 5 ± 5.1 aligns with literature documenting the functional benefits of rhinoplasty, emphasizing the dual advantages of such procedures [18–20].
The high levels of patient satisfaction, with 96.7% of participants reporting excellent outcomes, reflect the overall success of the DCF technique. This level of satisfaction was corroborated by the substantial increase in ROE scores from 50 ± 19.5 to 93 ± 7.93, indicating that patients not only perceived esthetic improvements but also experienced a significant enhancement in their quality of life. Several previous studies have supported these findings, showing significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes using various assessment tools like the ROE and FACE-Q scales[21–23]. The higher satisfaction levels among younger patients and female patients are consistent with the observations of Khansa et al. (2016) and Yang et al. (2017) [22, 24].
The low complication rate of 7%, with issues such as nasal deviation and infection being manageable, aligns with the existing literature on the efficacy and safety of DCF. Li et al. (2021) reported an overall complication rate of 11.5% for DCF grafts, with infection and visible irregularity being the most common complications[25]. Compared with other grafting techniques, such as irradiated homologous and autologous costal cartilage grafting, the DCF technique demonstrates comparable or lower complication rates, further supporting its reliability [26, 27]. The low risk of graft resorption and displacement, as noted by Gerbault and Aiach (2009) and Keyhan et al. (2021) [28, 29], enhances the safety profile.
Post-traumatic nasal deformities are prevalent among patients seeking rhinoplasty, with up to 50% of nasal fracture patients potentially requiring reconstructive surgery [30, 31]. This study's finding that 63.3% of nasal deformities were post-traumatic underscores the significant impact of trauma on nasal structure. The high success rate in post-traumatic rhinoplasty, with 90.5% to 94% of patients reporting satisfaction with both appearance and function postoperatively, is supported by Low et al. (2009) and Gilbert (1987)[32, 33]. Addressing key nasal regions, such as the septum, internal nasal valves, and inferior turbinate, is crucial for optimal outcomes [33].
The effectiveness of DCF in increasing dorsal projection and its utility in secondary Rhinoplasty with depleted donor sites or poor-quality cartilage are well documented [28]. This method's adaptability and versatility make it suitable for complex post-traumatic cases, contributing to high patient satisfaction [34].
The adaptability and cost-effectiveness of DCF make it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings where access to various surgical materials and technologies may be restricted. The ability to use locally sourced cartilage reduces the need for extensive resources, thus enhancing the feasibility of cartilage harvesting in such environments. The versatility of this technique in addressing various nasal defects, including severe nasal saddles, supports its use in diverse clinical scenarios [28, 35].
Recent advancements in rhinoplasty, such as computer-assisted planning and execution incorporating 3D imaging and virtual planning, can enhance the predictability of outcomes in complex cases [36]. However, the fundamental principles of DCF remain highly relevant and effective even without access to advanced technologies. Other reconstructive techniques, such as microsurgical free flaps and dermal regeneration templates, also offer viable options for nasal reconstruction in resource-limited settings [37, 38].
The challenges and opportunities associated with performing rhinoplasty in resource-constrained settings have been explored in various studies. Eberlin et al. discussed cleft lip repair with primary rhinoplasty under local anesthesia as an applicable technique in resource-poor settings [39], and Sinha et al. advocated single-stage reconstruction techniques to accommodate patient preferences in such environments [40]. Our study contributes to this literature by presenting the DCF technique as a viable and advantageous option for correcting saddle nose deformity, particularly due to its use of autologous tissue and minimal donor site morbidity.
Despite the strengths and contributions of this study, several limitations should be acknowledged. The generalizability of our findings may be limited by the specific setting, and future research should explore outcomes in diverse environments. The modest sample size suggests the need for larger studies to confirm our results. Longer-term follow-up would provide more comprehensive insights into the durability and potential complications of DCF. The absence of a control group precludes direct comparisons, and no cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted. Addressing these limitations in future research will be essential for establishing the technique’s overall effectiveness and informing clinical decision-making.