Temporalis fascia grafts for facial and nasal contour augmentation

For the past 70 years, fascial grafts have been used in reconstructive surgery mainly because of their tensile strength. Although the thigh (fasciae latae) has been the principal donor site, fascia taken from the temporalis muscle has the advantages of (1) ease of harvest under local anesthesia, (2) usually being in the same operative field, (3) minimal postoperative discomfort, and (4) negligible residual scar deformity. These grafts can be effectively used as the sole source of contour augmentation of facial depressions in primary as well as secondary rhinoplasty. Such grafts undergo an initial uniform shrinkage (approximately 20 percent) during the first 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively due to compaction and condensation of the fibrous tissue of the fascia, after which the grafts stabilize and become firm. Concavities should be overcorrected accordingly. No inflammation or encapsulation has been seen clinically or histologically in 18 patients followed for periods ranging from 6 to 18 months.