Advancements in rhinoplasty: Exploring smart artificial cartilage implants for enhanced tissue regeneration and minimized rejection

Rhinoplasty often requires cartilage grafts to restore nasal contour and function. Traditional options, such as autologous, allogeneic, and synthetic materials, remain limited by donor-site morbidity, restricted availability, and long-term complications, including resorption and extrusion. Advances in tissue engineering and biomaterial science have led to the development of smart artificial cartilage implants that combine mechanical strength with biologic responsiveness. These materials can adapt to external stimuli, such as mechanical load, temperature, or electrical signals, promoting better integration and durability. Hydrogels, piezoelectric composites, and nanohybrid scaffolds have shown enhanced chondrogenic potential and mechanical compatibility in preclinical studies. Furthermore, three-dimensional bioprinting and stem-cell-based strategies enable the fabrication of patient-specific constructs that reduce intraoperative manipulation and improve anatomical fit. Although early experimental and limited clinical results are promising, current evidence remains heterogeneous and largely confined to small case series. Broader clinical validation, standardized testing protocols, and clear regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure safe and reproducible translation. Smart artificial cartilage implants thus represent a significant step toward next-generation rhinoplasty materials, merging functional durability with biologic adaptability.