Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Histopathological Effects of Dermal Fillers on Nasal Cartilage in a Rabbit Model.

Abstract

Purpose Non-surgical rhinoplasty has emerged as a preferred nasal aesthetic treatment due to its safety, predictability, and high patient satisfaction. It utilizes dermal fillers, primarily hyaluronic acid, to enhance nasal profiles and correct defects. However, limited data exist on the effects of hyaluronic acid-containing dermal fillers on nasal cartilages. This study aimed to evaluate these effects histopathologically. Methods Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A's right lateral cartilages (AR) received 0.1 ml of VYC-20L filler, while the left (AL) received isotonic saline. Group B's right lateral cartilages (BR) received 0.1 ml of VYC-25L filler, with the left (BL) serving as the control. After 90 days, the rabbits were sacrificed, and cartilage samples were analyzed histopathologically for cartilage thickness, chondrocyte nucleus loss, inflammation, fibrosis, giant cells, granulation tissue, abscess, and necrosis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Significant differences were found between groups for chondrocyte nucleus loss, fibrosis, and giant cells (p=0.005, 0.018, <0.001, respectively). No difference was observed in cartilage thickness between AR and BR (p=0.918). Chondrocyte nucleus loss was present in AR and BR but absent in AL and BL. Giant cells were detected in all VYC-20L and VYC-25L samples. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis varied but were not statistically significant. No abscess or necrosis was observed. Conclusion This study demonstrated histopathological effects of VYC-20L and VYC-25L on nasal cartilage using a rabbit model. Further studies with larger samples and diverse fillers are recommended.