Middle-vault narrowing in the wide nasal dorsum: the "Reverse Spreader" technique

The middle vault is a transition zone between the nasal tip and nasal bones and plays an important role in profile, tip projection, tip rotation, and tip support. This report presents an alternative to conventional techniques specific to the middle nasal vault for a patient population with particular nasal features. 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 with a broad middle vault and 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. This effect is achieved by excising a vertical wedge-shaped strip of cartilage that follows the length of the upper lateral cartilage at the junction of the upper lateral cartilage and the dorsal nasal septum.     

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.     

The role of upper lateral cartilage in dorsal reconstruction after hump excision: section 1. Spreader flap modification with asymmetric mattress suture and extension of the spreading effect by cartilage graft

A spreader flap, or autospreader flap, is a flap used for dorsal reconstruction in primary rhinoplasty after cartilage dorsum excision. Despite its significant advantages, the spreader flap also has distinct shortcomings. The most common problem encountered in using a spreader flap is the technique’s inability to provide adequate dorsal width compared with spreader grafts. Additionally, the use of a spreader flap has not been described for special cases such as crooked noses, cases with minimal dorsal humps, and secondary cases. This report presents the authors’ modification of the spreader flap technique to expand its indications and extend the spreader effect down to the entire dorsum. This modification positions and fixes the medial borders of the upper lateral cartilages (ULCs) on both sides of the septum by asymmetric mattress sutures. Using the ULCs without folding affords the opportunity to restore a dorsum with sufficient width. Different entry and exit points of the suture help to maintain the cartilage substance horizontally rather than folded as in the conventional spreader flap technique. Another drawback of the spreader flap technique is its inability to address the lower third of the dorsum when ULCs do not extend down to the anterior septal angle (ASA). In these cases, attempts were made to extend the spreader effect by placing two small cartilage grafts on both sides of the ASA. Over a period of 2 years, the authors operated on 169 patients. For 81 of these patients, the modified spreader flap alone was used, and for the remaining 88 patients, both the modified spreader flap technique and ASA grafting (combined modification) were used. During a mean follow-up period of 17 months, no narrowing in the middle nasal dorsum and no inner valve deficiencies were seen in any of the cases.     

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.     

Extracorporeal septoplasty for the markedly deviated septum

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique of extracorporeal septal reconstruction to correct the markedly deviated nasal septum. DESIGN: Retrospective medical chart review of 2119 patients undergoing extracorporeal septoplasty from January 1, 1981, through July 31, 2004, by the author in a tertiary care facial plastic surgery center. The main outcomes measured included surgical complications, revision rate, and the surgeon's subjective determination of functional and aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 2119 patients, 2 cohorts were available for review. From January 1, 1981, to July 31, 1987, the author performed the operation on 459 patients. Fifty-seven complications (12%) occurred, with irregular contour of the dorsum or saddling noted in 38 (8%). Twenty patients (4%) elected to have revision septoplasty. From January 1, 1996, to December 31, 1996, the author supervised residents performing extracorporeal septoplasty in 108 patients. Fourteen postoperative complications (13%) occurred, with dorsal irregularity noted in 12 (11%). Eight patients (7%) elected to have revision septoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal septal reconstruction is an important surgical option for the correction of the markedly deviated nasal septum. Fixation of the straightened and replanted septum at the nasal spine and dorsal septum border with the upper lateral cartilages is essential. Spreader grafts for stabilization of the internal nasal valve and dorsal onlay grafts to prevent dorsal irregularity are strongly encouraged.     

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.     

The use of percutaneous sutures for graft fixation in rhinoplasty

We reviewed our 10-year experience using percutaneous suturing to secure cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty. A total of 382 patients having up to 4 percutaneous sutures per surgery were analyzed. Cases using this suture technique included lower lateral onlay grafts, dorsal onlay grafts, tip grafts, and intact conchal cartilage grafts to repair nasal valve collapse. Sutures are ideally placed in a horizontal mattress fashion beginning at the skin surface, continuing into the nasal cavity, and then out through the skin. Sutures are strategically placed to secure the graft and at times stent open the nasal valve. The suture is tied loosely over the skin taking in to consideration the anticipated edema formation. There is no need to use a bolster technique. Sutures are removed at the second postoperative visit. Long-term follow-up reveals precise graft placement. There are in most instances no visible suture marks and our results achieve over 95% patient satisfaction. Percutaneous suture placement is a simple technique that allows precise graft placement and fixation without resultant scarring. It coapts the skin and soft tissues to the grafted nasal skeleton and prevents fluid accumulation, hematoma formation, and graft migration. We believe that it aids in decrease long-term tissue edema and excessive fibrosis, therefore promoting quicker healing. Our patients are both functionally and cosmetically pleased.     

The Spreader-Splay Graft Combination: A Treatment Approach for the Osseocartilaginous Vault Deformities Following Rhinoplasty

Deformities following primary rhinoplasty may be located at different anatomical regions related to the primary operation. Osseocartilaginous vault deformities such as open roof deformity, over-resected bony and cartilaginous dorsum, excessive width of the middle vault, inverted-V deformity and middle vault collapse are the most frequent ones. Stair-step deformity combined with middle vault problems is uncommon. Patients with these deformities not only have poor aesthetic results, but also have moderate or severe respiratory problems due to the severity of the deformity. Spreader grafts, onlay grafts and biomaterials can be used to correct these deformities. We preferred to use the spreader-splay graft combination for severe osseocartilaginous vault deformities. In this paper we present 3 cases. Two cases had severe open roof deformity, middle vault collapse and over resection of the osseocartilaginous hump, along with severe respiratory problems. The Spreader-splay graft combination was used, along with lateral osteotomy and medialization of nasal bones to treat these patients. One patient had a very severe stair-step deformity due to over resection of the hump and excessive infracturing of nasal bones along with severe respiratory problems due to collapse of the middle vault. This deformity was corrected with proper outfracturing along the old osteotomy site and the use of spreader-splay graft combination. All patients had good aesthetic and functional outcome after the surgery. In conclusion, the spreader-splay graft combination provides a good anatomical restoration to obtain a better respiratory function and aesthetic outcome on severe osseocartilaginous vault deformities following rhinoplasty.     

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.     

Recycling the distal dorsum as a sheen graft

Background: Surgeons performing rhinoplasty are increasingly faced with secondary procedures in graft-depleted patients. Objective: A method is described for recycling resected distal dorsum as a Sheen tip graft. Methods: Each of 16 primary rhinoplasty patients was treated with a Sheen graft to the nasal tip harvested from the distal cartilaginous dorsum; the dorsal cartilaginous hump was removed without dorsal mucosal disruption. Intact dorsal vestibular mucosa acts as a mucosal spreader graft by adding width between the dorsum and the resected upper lateral cartilages. The hump must be large enough that resection of the distal dorsum will not result in overresection of the midvault. Results: Postoperative photographic analysis of each of the 16 patients after 1 to 5 years of follow-up shows increased nasal tip projection, establishment of a tip-defining point, and a double break (a supratip and infralobular break). No graft absorption was clinically noted. Conclusions: Recycling of the distal dorsum as a Sheen graft in selected patients results in an aesthetic contour. This method limits surgical dissection to a single donor area, saves time, preserves the septum, avoids potential septal perforation or hematoma, and decreases hemorrhage and edema.     

Correction of the Asian deviated nose with no hump using unilateral bony mobilisation and dorsal septal suture fixation.

A deviated nose is corrected by straight realignment and long-term maintenance of the bony and cartilaginous structure. Traditional rhinoplasty usually involves complete separation of both upper lateral cartilages from the septum and bilateral bony mobilisation after osteotomy. In the Asian deviated nose with no hump, these procedures are intrinsically destabilising and may weaken the supporting bony and cartilaginous structure. To avoid these problems, I performed unilateral bony mobilisation with anterior wedge resection and suture fixation of the dorsal septum to the nasal bone without separation of the upper lateral cartilage. This manoeuvre is simple and reproducible and produces satisfactory straightening and maintenance of the nasal dorsum while maximally preserving the structural support. Here, I describe the surgical techniques including the choice of the site of unilateral osteotomy and wedge resection, a new classification of bony deviation, two surgical modifications applied to different types of deviation and rationale of dorsal septal suture fixation. Also, clinical cases of nasal deviation are presented.     

Nasal valves--importance and surgical procedures

One of the most difficult aspects in rhinoplasty is resolving and preventing functional compromise of the nasal valve area reliably. The nasal valves are crucial for the individual breathing competence of the nose. Structural and functional elements contribute to this complex system: the nasolabial angle, the configuration and stability of the alae, the function of the internal nasal valve, the anterior septum symmetrically separating the bilateral airways and giving structural and functional support to the alar cartilage complex and to their junction with the upper lateral cartilages, the scroll area. Subsequently, the open angle between septum and sidewalls is important for sufficient airflow as well as the position and function of the head of the turbinates. The clinical examination of these elements is described. Surgical techniques are more or less well known and demonstrated with patient examples and drawings: anterior septoplasty, reconstruction of tip and dorsum support by septal extension grafts and septal replacement, tip suspension and lateral crural sliding technique, spreader grafts and suture techniques, splay grafts, alar batten grafts, lateral crural extension grafts, and lateral alar suspension. The numerous literature is reviewed.     

Modified Alar Swing Procedure in Saddle Nose Correction

Reconstruction of the saddle nose may involve the use of different augmentation materials, from autogenous bone and cartilage to alloplastic materials. The most important problems when considering the choice of reconstructive technique, besides underlying pathology and expected result, include: long-term stability, donor morbidity, tendency of the implant to infection, extrusion, and resorption. The use of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages as dorsal onlay was reserved for the corrections of minor supratip depressions (flying wing and alar swing procedure). The authors suggest the use of pedicled flaps of cephalic portions of lateral crura as dorsal septal strut, which may increase the profile line more than dorsal onlay. Reconstruction is performed using open rhinoplasty approach. Pedicled flaps of the cephalic portions of lateral crura are transfixed in the sagittal plane and, following separation of upper lateral cartilages and medial crura, placed on the dorsum of nasal septum. Upper laterals are sutured to newly formed cartilaginous dorsum, or a new bridge is created using conchal cartilage. Columellar strut may be formed of the septal cartilage. Authors have performed such corrections in 15 patients with good long-term functional and aesthetic results.     

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.     

Nasal Middle Vault Support: A New Technique

A novel technique for maintaining internal nasal valve anatomic and physiologic integrity at the time of hump reduction is proposed. The procedure involves mobilizing the anterior edge of the upper lateral cartilage after submucosal dissection. Reduction of the anterior border of the septal cartilage and reconstruction of the middle vault of the nose is accomplished by placing the upper lateral cartilage medial border on the reduced edge of the septum using a vest-over technique. The technique was successfully used for 32 nonconsecutive patients over a 4-year period.     

The crooked nose: principles of treatment

Correction of the crooked nose is one of the most challenging procedures in rhinoplasty. The goals of the surgery are creation of a rigid and straight cartilaginous L-strut, correction of the deviated bony structures, and improvement of the nasal airway. Curvatures of the dorsal septum can be corrected with several techniques. Spreader grafts, cartilage batten grafts, or ethmoid bone grafts can be utilized for internal stenting to straighten the dorsal deviations. The surgical treatment for a deformed caudal septum with the most predictable and successful outcome is resection and replacement with a straight septal cartilage graft. In severe deviations of septum cartilage involving both dorsal and caudal portions of the L-strut, extracorporeal reconstruction of the septal cartilage may be the required method. For correction of the deviated bony pyramid, several osteotomy methods can be employed. Medial osteotomy, low-to-low or low-to -high internal lateral osteotomy, double-level lateral osteotomies, and external lateral osteotomy are the options, depending on the deformity. Dorsal onlay grafts can provide camouflage for any residual asymmetries after septal reconstruction or can be applied for dorsal augmentation.     

Upper lateral cartilage suspension over dorsal grafts: a treatment for internal nasal valve dynamic incompetence

The internal nasal valve incompetence (INVI) can be divided into (1) static: when the articulation between the dorsal edge of the upper lateral cartilages and the dorsal edge of the septum forms an angle less than 10 to 15 degrees and (2) dynamic: when the upper lateral cartilages collapse attracted by the negative pressure during inspiration. To correct both the static and dynamic components in severe cases of INVI, the authors propose a surgical technique consisting of upper lateral cartilages suspension over dorsal grafts; the dorsal margins of the two upper lateral cartilages are pulled dorsally and sutured together over the dorsal edge of the septum and over the dorsal-spreader grafts. The post-operative results of 12 patients affected by INVI with severe nasal obstruction were evaluated. Such a technique, which utilizes both the widening and the suspension effects, is particularly useful in the most severe cases of dynamic INVI.     

Dorsal nasal augmentation with "open sandwich" graft consisting of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia

Background: Augmenting the nasal dorsum with conchal grafts can cause visible irregularities over time due to the morphological qualities of that material. Objectives: This study describes the senior authors' technique of dorsal nasal augmentation with chondrofascial "open sandwich" grafts consisting of pieces of conchal cartilage and retroauricular fascia. The authors assess the efficiency and reliability of this graft in nasal dorsal augmentation. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 19 patients who underwent dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty with chondrofascial grafts. Both cartilage and fascia were harvested through the same incision in the retroauricular sulcus. The conchal graft was cut in 2 to 4 pieces and slightly crushed with tissue forceps. The pieces of cartilage were arranged and fixed to the fascia in different patterns according to the nasal dorsum contour. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 35 months in 16 patients who qualified for inclusion in the final data. The maximal thickness of the chondrofascial graft was 4.5 mm. There were no major complications in the recipient area, except 1 case of undercorrection. There were 2 complications in the donor area. In 1 case, a hematoma was treated conservatively. In another case, a strip of skin necrosis in the conchal area occurred and was treated by excision and direct suture with satisfactory resolution. Conclusions: The autologous chondrofascial graft is appropriate for slight to mild dorsal nasal augmentation. The method, as with most rhinoplasty techniques, requires careful and judicious preoperative examination, planning, and execution. The postoperative scar is inconspicuous and the donor site morbidity is minimal. Level of Evidence: 4.