Nasal Retainer 2.0: A New, Cheap, and Reliable Method to Prepare Custom-made Nostril Retainer for Nasal Reconstruction

Abstract

Summary: Total nasal reconstruction always represents a challenge for the plastic surgeon, who must deal both with the reconstructive procedure and compliance of the patient. This kind of reconstruction often requires more than one step. Therefore, more prolonged and emphasized scarring than normal can occur, thus resulting in a higher risk of nostril stenosis. Although several nasal retainers have been described, traditional premade retainers could be poorly tolerated by patients and need to be adequately customized to improve patient compliance. Herein, the authors propose a new, cheap, and reliable method to prepare customized nasal retainers which can be used after every step of nasal reconstruction.

Biomechanical Property and Biocompatibility of a New Silicone Rubber Nasal Retainer (Nostriloo)

“…Further, commercial nasal retainers has limited availability as it is not produced in our country. Efforts to reduce the cost of nasal retainers lead to the use of other tubeshaped medical equipment as substitute, such as polyvinyl chloride feeding tube, 4 silicone urine catheters, 10,11 nelaton latex catheter, 12 and rubber from infusion sets. 13 These alternatives are inexpensive but lacks the shape of the normal vestibulum and cannot be molded to adjust to the child's nostril.…”

“…16 Silicone rubber nasal retainers have been used in nasal reconstructions to prevent stenosis, most of the time for long periods of time. 10 To obtain the solid form, liquid silicone rubber has to be cured by adding catalyst, cast to mold for 90 minutes, and left to set for 15 to 20 hours. 17 This study aims to investigate the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of our cost-effective modified silicone rubber nasal retainer compared with other commercial nasal retainers.…”