Versatility and Outcomes of ‘Mumbai Technique’ of Stacked Cartilage Grafts in Indian Rhinoplasty

Abstract Background  Augmentation rhinoplasty requires graft with substantial volume. In cases where patient is reluctant to use costal cartilage, this can be done using septum and conchal cartilage graft. Using the technique of “stacked cartilage graft” an assembly is made using septum and conchal cartilage for nasal augmentation and contour defects. Although multilayered grafts have been described before, we propose an elaborate and effective method named after our city, Mumbai, to shape these grafts and highlight economical use of conchal and septal cartilage to overcome its limited volume. It also describes its clinical and aesthetic outcome of this technique in Indian patients. Methods  A retrospective study from 2005 to 2020 was done in our institute. Data was collected from medical and hospital records. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were obtained for preoperative planning and outcome analysis. Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation score was used for outcome analysis. Minimum follow-up was 1 year in our study. Results  A total of 210 patients were included in our study. In all cases, the stacked cartilage graft technique produced a natural appearing dorsum. Complications of cartilage such as resorption, extrusion, and warping were minimum. All the patients were satisfied with their results. Conclusion  Although the limited volume of conchal cartilage is criticized, in reality it can be used effectively for larger requirement with “economy of use” using our technique. The curvatures and convolutions of conchal cartilage can be effectively neutralized by using this technique to obtain a smooth surface. However, this technique requires incorporation of every bit of cartilage and meticulous stacking of the pieces to get the desired shape. Thus, the stacked cartilage grafts have excellent versatility and produce natural and long-lasting results and minimal complications.