Released on: August 19, 2008, 1:57 pm

Press Release Author: Paul O\'Keeffe

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Australian plastic surgeon, Paul O'Keeffe, has placed 60
porous polyethylene shell implants in deformed noses in order to encourage the
growth of cartilage fragments under the shells. The shells are normally retained in
the noses but are removable after full growth of the cartilage.

Press Release Body: Dr Paul O'Keeffe, plastic surgeon in Sydney, Australia, designed
the Thin Medpor Nasal Shell with Porex Surgical, Inc., in Atlanta, USA. The shell
is placed over the skeleton of a deformed nose and small cartilage pieces are placed
in the space under the shell. The cartilage pieces grow up to fill the void and the
shell can then be removed if necessary. Dr O'Keeffe has placed shells plus
cartilage in 60 deformed noses and has needed to remove two shells after a year, one
because of infection and one because of recurring fluid accumulation. Both noses
had an excellent size and shape that has persisted more than a year.
Research in Melbourne, Australia, by Professor Wayne Morrison showed that tissue
stem cells are stimulated to multiply and produce tissue if they are housed in
growth media within a cavity. The presence of the cavity is vital for the growth to
happen. The cavity beneath the Thin Medpor Nasal Shell is working in this way.
Patients who had the shell plus grafts placed for nasal reconstruction are well
pleased with their new nose shape and plan to retain their implant if there is no
problem. They are reassured that they could have their implant removed if necessary
and their nose will still look normal. This contrasts with solid implants which
leave the nose deformed if ever they are removed.
Dr O'Keeffe attaches a strip of cartilage to the Thin Medpor Nasal Shell before
placing it in the nose. The cartilage strip extends into the zone of movement
between the nasal pyramid and the nose tip, ensuring that the nose tip will have
normal feel and mobility.


Web Site: http://www.oknoses.com.au

Contact Details: Dr Paul O\'Keeffe
6 Alfred Road
Brookvale, NSW, 2100
Australia
Phone: +61 2 9938 3577
Fax: +61 2 9905 0401
oknoses@ozemail.com.au