Modification of the Skoog dorsal reduction for preservation of the middle nasal vault

Preservation of the middle nasal vault has increasingly become a topic of interest and concern in rhinoplasty. Modification of the nasal dorsum with traditional techniques may create unfavorable cosmetic results and adverse functional sequelae due to collapse of the middle nasal vault. Nasal dorsal reduction invariably involves separating the upper lateral cartilage (ULC) attachments from the dorsal septum. A number of procedures are used to reestablish the width of the middle nasal vault and competence of the internal nasal valve. Spreader grafts are the most frequently used technique. Although these grafts reliably preserve the middle vault, dorsal irregularities may result. Alternative techniques, such as suture suspension of the ULCs to dorsal onlay grafts or direct suturing of the ULCs to the septum, may pose similar problems. We have found that a modification of the Skoog technique for dorsal hump reduction preserves both a favorable aesthetic contour of the middle nasal vault and proper function of the internal valve. This procedure involves removal of the osseocartilaginous dorsum en bloc. The nasal dorsum is further reduced; the removed portion of nasal dorsum is sculpted and then replaced anatomically. Once a favorable position is found for the native dorsal graft, the upper lateral cartilages are resuspended to the graft with suture fixation. The dorsal segment thus acts as a dorsal onlay spreader graft, reestablishing a natural dorsal contour and preserving the middle nasal vault. We can avoid osteotomies in patients with an appropriate preoperative width of their bony base while correcting the open roof with the replaced dorsal segment.     

Combined use of triple cartilage grafts in secondary rhinoplasty.

Secondary rhinoplasty on a patient with a middle vault deformity is one of the most challenging procedures for a plastic surgeon. In order to achieve proper nasal aesthetics and airway function, a surgeon most commonly chooses to engraft the nose with a spreader, dorsal onlay, or columellar graft. This paper examines the aforementioned techniques in the management of 25 patients who presented with a severe middle nasal vault deformity. METHODS: During the last 5 years, 25 patients received secondary rhinoplasty using triple cartilage grafts to repair severe middle vault deformities. Patients were then questioned at least 3 months postoperatively about both airway problems and cosmetic satisfaction. RESULTS: All the 25 patients indicated cosmetic satisfaction with 23 of the patients also achieving complete nasal airway function. Only two patients persisted to have an insufficient nasal airway. An endonasal examination revealed a slight nasal synechiae in one patient, while no anatomic problem was identified in the second patient. From a cosmetic standpoint, a straight dorsum with improved dorsal aesthetic lines and nasal profile, along with nasal-facial balance were achieved. When indicated, secondary rhinoplasty to repair a middle vault deformity using the combination of spreader, dorsal onlay, and columellar grafts to augment the nose has shown to have both functional and cosmetic benefits.     

Aesthetic rhinoplasty: Avoiding unfavourable results

Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgical procedures in plastic surgery. It is not surprising that a significant number of patients end up with unfavourable outcomes. Many of these unfavourable outcomes could be the result of poor judgment and wrong decision making. Most frequently, the unfavourable outcome is the result of errors in surgical technique. In this paper, unfavourable outcomes resulting from errors in surgical technique are discussed under the heading of each operative step. Poor placement of intra-nasal incision can result in internal valve obstruction. Bad columellar scars can result from errors during open rhinoplasty. Unfavourable results associated with skeletonisation are mentioned. Tip plasty, being the most difficult part of rhinoplasty, can result in lack of tip projection, asymmetry and deformities associated with placement of tip grafts. Over-resection of the lower lateral cartilages during tip plasty can also result in pinched nose, alar collapse causing external valve obstruction and other alar rim deformities. Humpectomy can result in open roof deformity, inverted V deformity and over-resection resulting in saddle nose. The so-called poly beak deformity is also a preventable unfavourable outcome when dealing with a large dorsal hump. Complications resulting from osteotomies include narrowing of nasal airway, open roof deformity, inverted V deformity and asymmetry of the bony wall resulting from incomplete or green stick fractures. Judicious use of grafts can be very rewarding. By the same token, grafts also carry with them the risk of complications. Allografts can result in recurrent infection, atrophy of the overlying skin and extrusion resulting in crippling deformities. Autografts are recommended by the author. Unfavourable results from autografts include displacement of graft, visibility of the graft edges, asymmetry, warping, and resorption.KEY WORDS: Aesthetic rhinoplasty, hump resection, osteotomy, radix, unfavourable results     

Spreader graft placement in endonasal rhinoplasty: Technique and a review of 100 cases

BACKGROUND:

Spreader grafts are widely considered to be the mainstay of treatment for insufficient internal nasal valve and are commonly placed preventively during rhinoplasty, after hump removal, to avoid middle vault collapse. Although the placement and suturing of spreader grafts in open rhinoplasty is fairly easy, their positioning and stabilization in endonasal rhinoplasty is associated with a learning curve.

METHODS:

A review of the technique with tips for the novice surgeon is presented, particularly as pertains to correct placement. The technique can be used to insert spreader grafts irrespective of whether the nasal dorsum is addressed. Suturing is usually unnecessary. A retrospective review of 100 patients in whom spreader grafts were placed was undertaken to evaluate complications such as poor placement, displacement or other complications.

RESULTS:

Although there is a learning curve to ensure the dorsal mucosal attachment is maintained while developing the pocket sufficiently dorsally for proper graft placement, the technique is easy to learn, effective, quick and technically simple to perform. Of 100 patients, three had a cartilaginous dorsal spur as the cephalic edge of the graft became visible. One patient developed an ecchymosis along the dorsum that caused a hump that resolved in two months. There were no other aesthetic or functional complications.

CONCLUSION:

The endonasal placement technique provides for simple, safe and easy placement, as well as stabilization of spreader grafts during endonasal rhinoplasty, with few complications.     

The decision process in choosing costal cartilage for use in revision rhinoplasty

The aims of rhinoplasty reconstruction include maintaining or augmenting long-term tip projection, restoring rigid dorsal stability, and restoring optimum respiratory function. The methods set forth to obtain these objectives are inherently based on the intrinsic nasal principles at the time of the rhinoplasty. Because of the excellent and consistent results autologous costal cartilage grafts provide when faced with problems such as the traumatic saddle deformity, defects after neoplastic resection, congenital nasal deformities, severe tip weakness or underprojection, rhinoplasty in the ethnic patient, and revision rhinoplasty, they are an invaluable resource to the rhinoplasty surgeon. Once the surgeon becomes comfortable and proficient at harvesting this graft, it inevitably will become the graft of choice when substantial amounts of cartilage are required.     

Management of the nasal dorsum

Profile alignment, including nasal dorsal reduction, is one of the most common maneuvers in aesthetic rhinoplasty. Techniques often include cartilaginous excision and bony hump reduction with a chisel or a rasp. Cartilaginous nasal vault excision can result in separation of the junction between the upper lateral cartilages and the dorsal septum. This separation can cause an inferior-medial repositioning of the upper lateral cartilages and overall weakening of middle vault infrastructure. Furthermore, surgical interruption of this key region can also damage the internal nasal valve configuration and function and create static and dynamic airway obstruction. This article outlines the anatomy and function of the middle nasal vault and internal nasal valve. In addition, it provides an overview of aesthetic complications of dorsal hump removal including inverted-V deformity, saddle nose deformity, hourglass deformity, and their functional consequences. Preoperative individual risk factors for middle-third deformities are mentioned. Preventive and corrective surgical techniques including cartilage grafting and reconstructive sutures are also detailed.     

Overly wide cartilaginous middle vault

Any maneuver in rhinoplasty that alters the ULCs should be based on a preoperative analysis of the patient's functional complaints and aesthetic characteristics. All techniques should be harmonious with the desired postsurgical result. The majority of established procedures to alter the middle vault focus on dorsal hump reduction, correction of internal nasal valve collapse, or correction of a twisted nose with the use of spreader grafts [9 12]. Although the latter two techniques achieve satisfying functional results, they can have the effect of broadening the middle third of the nose. Reduction of the dorsal height of the middlenasal vault by way of horizontal shaving of the ULC scan sometimes result in functional compromise by narrowing the nasal valve [13].Each technique has advantages when performed with appropriate indications. For example, a narrow middle vault with internal nasal valve collapse is functionally and aesthetically addressed by the insertion of spreader grafts; however, the inverse of this situation is sometimes encountered. A patient who has a broad middle vault without internal nasal valve collapse will benefit from reduction of the horizontal width of the cartilaginous dorsum, which is, in effect,the reverse of spreader grafts [2]. A select patient population requires aesthetic refinement of the middle vault in a way that avoids functional compromise.This reverse spreader technique has probably been applied clinically by others, but it is has not been reflected in the literature before this year [2]. Johnson and Toriumi have described a similar maneuver in addressing a wide bony dorsum, encouraging the surgeon to "think vertically" [8]. Likewise, Toriumiand Ries have described a selective tangential shaving of the convex side dorsal septum to assist in correction of the C-shaped deformity [11].In the setting of a wide middle vault, the reverse spreader technique is a useful alternative to dorsal augmentation, which creates the illusion of a narrower dorsum [ 14]; however, it should be noted that patients who have a wide, low dorsum might benefit more from dorsal augmentation than from this technique. Caution should be employed in individuals who have internal nasal valve compromise, which can be exacerbated by this maneuver.     

Nose and paranasal augmentation: autogenous, fascia, and cartilage

The up-to-date plastic surgeon should consider using augmentation rhinoplasty with relative frequency. In selected cases, for improving the face integrally, it is desirable to augment the paranasal area. In the author's hands, grafts of cartilage and fascia are the preferred tissues, based on the experience of many years. Fascia can be used alone or combined, and in the last few years we have used it alone quite often. A temporoparietal fascia graft has great versatility in the correction of a number of nasal deformities. A depressed nasal dorsum can be augmented by utilizing fascia grafts. A depressed nasal radix can be corrected successfully by utilizing fascia grafts. Submucosal placement of strips of fascia has proved to be an effective method of reconstructing the roof of the middle cartilaginous vault. For augmenting the nasal dorsum when it is a case of primary rhinoplasty, the author prefers the use of fascia alone, but if the patient is having a secondary rhinoplasty, then the graft of fascia and cartilage combined is preferred.     

An alternative method of middle vault reconstruction

Surgery of the nasal valves is a challenging aspect of rhinoplasty surgery. The middle nasal vault assumes an important role in certain aspects of nasal valve collapse. Techniques that address pathologies of the middle vault include the placement of spreader grafts and the butterfly graft. We present an alternative technique of middle vault reconstruction that allows simultaneous repair of nasal valve collapse and creation of a smooth dorsal profile. The surgical technique is described in detail and representative cases are discussed.     

Double lateral osteotomy in aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Lateral osteotomy is a very important step in a cosmetic rhinoplasty; it allows the surgeon to narrow the nose, to close the open roof created after hump removal, and to achieve symmetry of an asymmetrical nasal bony framework. In most patients a single lateral osteotomy reaches the expected result, with excellent cosmetic outcome, good stability, and rapid healing. We find that double lateral osteotomy is useful in managing severe asymmetry of nasal walls in patients with too prominent and thick maxillary processes that join asymmetrically together with nasal bones. It is also valuable in correcting very large and wide noses. We review our experience of about 1660 rhinoplasties with more than one year follow-up. Two hundred and ten cases (12.65%) had been treated with monolateral, or bilateral double osteotomy. We evaluate postoperative aesthetic and functional results.     

A modern approach to nasal osteotomies

A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the nose is paramount in rhinoplasty. Correction of deformities of the nasal vault presents a challenge to the facial plastic surgeon. Suboptimal aesthetic results may occur when either inadequate or excessive mobilization of the nasal bony-cartilaginous framework is performed. Furthermore, postoperative complications such as collapse of the nasal airway may occur. A number of techniques are available to appropriately mobilize and reposition the bony nasal vault. In this article, we will review pertinent anatomy, technical considerations and clinical perspectives on mobilization of the nasal bones.     

Management of the middle nasal third in revision rhinoplasty

The middle nasal third is often the source of both aesthetic and functional problems with primary rhinoplasty. Weakness of the middle nasal vault can occur from overresection of the upper lateral cartilages or cartilaginous nasal septum, malposition of the upper lateral cartilages, or from secondary scarring from the primary rhinoplasty. These functional and aesthetic problems can be avoided by maintaining an adequate infrastructure to the middle nasal vault. If secondary problems occur in the middle nasal third, precise anatomic reconstruction can be performed in the form of cartilage grafting and/or suture reconstitution. This reconstruction requires an in-depth knowledge of the functional nasal anatomy and the ability to re-create the infrastructure so that it withstands the forces of scarring and wound contraction. This article outlines the anatomy of the middle third of the nose, the conditions that cause secondary middle-third problems, and the surgical management of these deformities.     

Correction of the cleft-lip nasal deformity

Correction of the cleft-lip nasal deformity is a difficult task that requires a clear understanding of the associated complex anatomic abnormalities. These deformities tend to accentuate as nasal growth continues. Primary tip rhinoplasty in the unilateral deformity improves nasal tip symmetry and decreases the need for intermediate surgery. Intermediate rhinoplasty in the bilateral deformity is performed when nasal tip projection is markedly diminished. In both the unilateral and bilateral deformity, definitive rhinoplasty utilizing the open-structure rhinoplasty approach allows maximum exposure for placement of structural grafts to improve tip projection, definition, support, and function. In this article, the pathologic anatomy of the unilateral and bilateral cleft nasal deformity is described. The philosophy and timing of repair are discussed. Finally, the techniques used by the authors to address both the aesthetic and functional problems are outlined.     

The use of lower turbinate bone grafts in the treatment of saddle nose deformities

Saddle nose reconstruction is based on the use of support grafts to manage aesthetic and functional problems. Bone (calvarial, iliac crest, costal, nasal hump, ulnar, and heterogeneous origin), cartilage (septal, costal, heterogeneous), and synthetic materials (silicon, silastic, polyethylene) were used as support grafts. Three patients have been included in this study to define the surgical management and long-term aesthetic and functional results of patients undergoing rhinoplasty with support grafts for a saddle nose deformity. Open rhinoplasty was employed. Both the lower turbinates were excised and the bone dissected from the soft tissues in two cases and in one case, only mucosa was removed. The amount of support needed was measured by using bone wax. The bone was used shaped in layers, according to the defect, and sutured to each other by vycril suture, and wrapped around by surgicell. The graft was then inserted in its place and fixed with external prolene sutures. Results were satisfactory in both function and aesthetics. Ten to 16-month follow-ups had no complications. Saddle nose surgery basically requires the use of a support graft to repair the nasal dorsum. A lower turbinate bone graft procedure has some advantages: it is cheap and safe, it is ready to use and not time-consuming, there is no donor area and no additional donor site morbidity, and it enlarges the airway and the passage to prevent nasal airway obstruction.     

Free Fat Graft for Congenital Hand Differences

Background

Free fat graft has been used for the treatment of congenital hand differences. However, there have been a few reports about the outcome of that treatment. In this study, the outcome of free fat grafts for congenital hand and foot differences was investigated.

Methods

Fourteen bones with longitudinal epiphyseal bracket, 3 wrists with Madelung deformity, and 5 cases of osseous syndactyly were treated with free fat graft with osteotomy, physiolysis, or separation of osseous syndactyly. Of the fourteen bones with longitudinal epiphyseal bracket, 9 were treated with open wedge osteotomy with free fat graft and 5 with physiolysis and free fat graft. The Madelung deformity was treated with physiolysis with free fat graft. For osseous syndactyly, syndactyly release with free fat graft was performed five times on four hands.

Results

In the fourteen cases with longitudinal epiphyseal bracket, lateral deviation improved in all except two cases after surgery. The average lateral deviation angle changed from 32.5 degrees before surgery to 15.2 degrees after surgery. The average improvement of the lateral deviation angle was 12.2 degrees in the osteotomy group and 20.6 degrees in the physiolysis group. The mean ratio of improvement of the lateral deviation angle to the lateral deviation angle before surgery was 39.4% in the osteotomy group and 51.2% in the physiolysis group. The Madelung deformity improved after surgery in two cases but there was no improvement in one case. For these conditions, the results were not good enough when surgery was done after age 13 or at age four for severely hypoplastic brachymesophalangy. Of the 5 cases of osseous syndactyly, reunion of the separated bones occurred in one case. The grafted free fat should be deep enough to cover the osteotomy site of the bones to prevent reunion of the separated bones.

Conclusions

Physiolysis and free fat graft performed during the growth period can correct the deviation due to longitudinal epiphyseal bracket and Madelung deformity. Free fat graft is also useful to prevent reunion of the bones after separation of osseous syndcatyly, if the grafted fat is securely filled into the space between the separated bones.     

The use of spreader grafts in primary rhinoplasty

Some candidates for primary rhinoplasty are at greater risk of postoperative complications due to the presence of certain very specific anatomic characteristics. The authors describe their experience with spreader grafts in primary rhinoplasty and provide an analytic method of identifying the types of patient needing such grafts who present a high risk of complications. Sixty patients were treated with spreader grafts during primary rhinoplasty. Bilateral spreader grafts were used in cases of "narrow nose syndrome" (short nasal bones, long and weak upper lateral cartilages, thin skin) and in cases of disproportionate nose with narrow middle vault and bulbous tip. Unilateral spreader grafts were placed on the concave side in cases of crooked nose. After an average follow-up of 17 months, all the patients reported improvement in functional and esthetic problems, with no complications related to the preoperative features.     

Tip graft from the cartilaginous dorsum in rhinoplasty

A cartilage graft from the cartilaginous hump can be used in primary rhinoplasty for nasal tip projection. This technique has now been used for two years without complications in 35 patients with similar nose deformities, which included an inadequately projected tip and a high dorsal line. These grafts have proved to be another easy way to get an adequate tip projection in primary rhinoplasty.Paper presented at The Annual Meeting of the American Society for Anesthetic Plastic Surgery, in Los Angeles, California, April, 1983     

A New Approach to Smiling Deformity: Cutting of the Superior Part of the Orbicularis Oris

A diagnosis of an aesthetic smiling deformity, which is functional rather than anatomic, is essential for provision of the best treatment in rhinoplasty. Smiling deformity consists of three elements: (a) the nasal tip tending to retrodisplace and rotate inferiorly; (b) the lower part of the upper lip moving superiorly; and (c) a horizontal groove occurring in the midphiltral area. An active depressor septi and orbicularis muscle can accentuate a drooping nasal tip and shorten the upper lip during smiling. Downward movement of the nasal tip and a sharper nasolabial angle usually are aesthetically unpleasant. During the study period (January 2000 to January 2004), the authors identified 38 patients with smiling deformities, 16 of whom underwent dissection and transposition of the paired depressor septi during rhinoplasty. The remaining 22 patients experienced hyperactivity of both the depressor septi and orbicularis muscles, as diagnosed by a descending nasal tip and a shortened upper lip at animation. These patients underwent a modification of the depressor septi and orbicularis muscles. No relapse was evident up to 2 years postoperatively. Repositioning of the depressor septi nasi muscle improved only mild cases. However, modification of the orbicularis and depressor septi muscles was a valuable adjunct to rhinoplasty for moderate and severe forms of smiling deformity. The new approach for smiling deformity provided an aesthetically pleasant appearance for the patient both at rest and when smiling.     

The comma-shaped tip cartilage graft

Conventional onlay grafts of cartilage to the tip, columella, and alar margin provide valuable techniques for the refinement of minor deformities in both primary and secondary rhinoplasty. However, they cannot produce a full restoration of the dynamic anatomy of the lower lateral cartilages, which give forward thrust and arch support to the tip and nostril margins. For these grosser problems another graft design has been devised by the author. A report is given of the successful use of a comma-shaped septal graft used for over five years in selected cases of secondary rhinoplasty. The graft replaces the deficient lateral crus and alar dome and is sculpted and then sprung into position so that it restores function and gives the desired aesthetic effect.     

A Technical Refinement to Prevent Supratip Deformity in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: “The Trapezoid Peak”

Background The relationship between appropriate caudal dorsum resection and supratip deformity or inadequate tip projection currently is clear. Correct quadrangular cartilage management seems to have a basic role in the final tip aspect after aesthetic rhinoplasty. Methods Primary aesthetic rhinoplasty was performed for 38 Caucasian patients. A septal refinement was used for patients requiring extra tip support and not requiring grafts. Results The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. No supratip deformity was noted after surgery. The tip and midvault had adequate projection. Conclusions The described maneuver sustains the alar cartilage without sutures, preventing supratip deformity, sustaining soft tissues, and avoiding loss of tip projection. Presented at the 51st National Italian Congress of Plastic Surgery, SICPRE, Verona, Italy, 19–21 September 2002, and at the 9th International Congress of Italian and American Plastic Surgeons; New Orleans, 20 September 2004