Reconstruction of saddle nose deformity with three-dimensional costal cartilage graft

Saddle nose deformity is characterized by depression of the nasal bone and the cartilage dorsum associated with a collapse in the upper lateral and alar cartilages. Etiopathogenesis usually involves trauma or invasive excision of the bone and cartilage. Surgical treatment for functional and aesthetic recovery relies on the use of grafts. Options for grafting include autogenous tissue such as bone or cartilage and alloplastic augmentation. Nine patients with saddle nose deformity underwent surgical reconstruction with autogenous costal cartilage. The deformity was the result of trauma in seven patients and secondary to surgery in two patients. Cartilage obtained from the sixth and seventh ribs was used as the graft material to compensate for the low nasal dorsum. Cartilage was used as a single unit and shaped to cover the nasal dorsum and the lateral nasal walls completely. The upper lateral cartilages were fixed to shaped cartilage graft. Additional cartilage grafts into the columella and septum were also placed in all patients. Functional and aesthetic outcome was satisfactory in all patients. As a result, using costal cartilage graft, a single unit allowed more predictable and reliable reconstruction of the saddle nose deformity than the conventional dorsal grafts.     

Nasal tip contouring using lower lateral cartilages

Nasal tip management is the most important and challenging part of rhinoplasty surgery. For nasal tip management, optimal nasal tip projection and rotation must be maintained. For this reason, several methods have been developed to obtain optimal results. In this article, we share with the rhinoplasty surgeons how we use cartilage grafts for nasal tip projection, nasal tip shaping, and maintaining natural and symmetric appearance and avoid “visible cartilage” problem by using a simple and easily applicable method. After performing standard open rhinoplasty techniques, we used the cephalic portion of the lower lateral cartilages to overgraft the already placed numerous layers of shield or onlay grafts. All the cartilage grafts are sutured in their place to prevent malpositions or undesired angularities. We operated on 1480 patients between September of 2002 and September of 2009 for rhinoplasty. Ages of the patients range from 18 to 58 years with nasal tip ptosis. We performed 1235 primary rhinoplasties and 245 secondary rhinoplasties. Of 365 patients, who were followed up regularly, 330 (approximately 90%) were operated on according to this technique and were included in the study. By using such an overgrafting technique for nasal tip, we obtained satisfactory results both by the patients and by the surgeons. Satisfactory results and being a facilitating method for shaping of nasal tip are the advantages of this technique.     

Importance of the levator labii alaeque nasi muscle in dorsal septal deviations

Deviated cartilages structures of the nose can be affected by nasal muscles, and deviation becomes conspicuous when the patient smiles. This condition depends on activity of nasal muscles, particularly the levator labii alaeque nasi muscle. A total of 124 septorhinoplasty operations were performed to correct dorsal concave septal deviation between 2005 and 2009 years. The 70 women and 54 men included in the study had an average age of 28 years. The average follow-up period was 12 months. Open septorhinoplasty was preferred in all cases. The medial part of the levator labii alaeque nasi muscle was extensively dissected from the lateral crus and surrounding tissues. The lateral crura of the alar cartilages were separated from the upper lateral cartilages in the scroll area. The dorsal septal deviation was corrected by combination of bilateral spreader grafts, which reinforced cartilage with horizontal control sutures. Early postoperative period was uneventful. Nasal obstruction was reduced after surgery, and significant subjective postoperative improvements were observed in all patients. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative photographs demonstrated improved dorsal nasal contour. Revision operation was performed in 3 cases. The corrected septal cartilage was in a good position in all revised cases; therefore, septal surgery was not performed in the revision operations. In conclusion, surgical disruption of the anatomic relationship between the muscle with the dorsal septal cartilage and reinforcement of the dorsal septal cartilage with spreader grafts and horizontal control sutures can decrease risk of recurrence.     

Autologous fascia lata graft for contour restoration and camouflage in tertiary rhinoplasty

Tertiary rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct nasal deformities that have been developed after prior unsuccessful surgeries. Such surgery requires complicated manipulations and tissue grafting for proper restoration. In the current study, we report the use of fascia lata graft combined with cartilage grafts for contour restoring and camouflage. Twenty-three patients who had severe nasal deformities were included, of whom 14 were men and 9 were women. Their ages ranged between 24 and 34 years (mean, 29 y). All patients were twice previously operated on by surgeons other than the authors. An informed consent was obtained from all patients. After harvesting the costal cartilage, the fascia lata graft (mean size, 2-3 cm) was uniformly harvested from the right lateral thigh. Application of the fascia lata and the cartilage graft was achieved through the open rhinoplasty incision. The fascia lata was applied over the cartilage in the dorsal region in 20 patients (86.9%), applied over the reconstructed alar and dome area in the nasal tip in 8 patients (34.7%), and applied over both areas simultaneously in 4 patients (17.3%). Postoperative follow-up was between 14 and 35 months (mean, 24.5 mo); clinical evaluation, photographic documentation, and a questionnaire form related to donor-site morbidity and patient satisfaction were applied after 12 months of the follow-up period. Results showed that all patients had an improved aesthetic result, and no apparent irregularities were observed in the integument of the aesthetic lines. No complications or no requirement for revision surgery was observed later on. In conclusion, refinements of the nasal dorsum and the nasal tip in tertiary rhinoplasty are indeed important and difficult to be managed. Placing the fascia lata over the applied cartilage grafts provide a good cover that conceals the possible irregularities or distortions that may appear in the late postoperative period.     

Dorsal nasal augmentation with rib cartilage graft: long-term results and patient satisfaction

Various alloplastic and autogenous materials have been used for dorsal nasal augmentation. Bone and cartilage autografts commonly are used. We used rib cartilage graft for dorsal nasal augmentation. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction of dorsal nasal augmentation with rib cartilage grafts. Thirty-eight patients who had been operated on for dorsal nasal augmentation with rib cartilage graft were included in this study. Operation times, postoperative complications, and revision surgery were investigated by using hospital records. Anthropometric measurements were used for determining the resorption rate of cartilage graft. A questionnaire was used for the evaluation of long-term patient satisfaction. Evaluation of the patients' records showed that average operation time was 116 minutes and there were no complications such aspleural damage. The mean follow-up period was 27.4 months. Nine patients required secondary nasal surgery, including soft tissue augmentation (n = 1), nasal tip revision (n = 3), and reshaping the cartilage graft (n = 5). Long-term anthropometric measurements, comparing preoperative and postoperative values, documented increases in both tip projection (4.2%) and nasal length (1.2%) and an increase in nasolabial angle of 8.2 degrees . Eighty-one percent of the patients who answered the questionnaire rated the nasal size as normal. Nasal symmetry and nasal shape were good in 75% and 66% of the patients, respectively. Results of the rib cartilage grafts that are used for dorsal nasal augmentation are satisfactory for the patients and resorption rates are not high enough to change the shape of the nose.     

Septal extension graft for correcting short nose in East Asians: review of autologous cartilage grafts and postoperative stability

Septal extension grafts (SEGs) are widely used to correct a short nose in Asians, but few studies to our knowledge have investigated the relationship between different graft materials and the stability of the aesthetic results in East Asians. In this review we discuss the performance of autologous cartilage grafts, with a focus on the critical factors for achieving a stable postoperative nose shape, and propose algorithms for graft material selection in treating Asian patients. Avoiding harvesting septal cartilage grafts and preserving the whole cartilage is helpful for maintaining tip support over the long term. For patients who have loose nasal skin, a cartilage framework with no significant defect, or a mildly short nose, autogenous conchal cartilage is an effective and stable material for primary rhinoplasty. Costal cartilage has good performance and is suitable for treating severe nasal deformities and revision surgery.     

Comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using conchal composite grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomical abnormalities and heterogeneous tissue deficiencies of the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity challenges the cranio-maxillofacial plastic surgeon to create a functional, yet aesthetically pleasing nose. The authors propose a comprehensive rhinoplasty technique to correct the bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity using composite conchal grafts. PATIENTS: Five children with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities had nasal reconstruction using conchal composite grafts, averaging 5 years in age at time of surgery. Patient follow-up averaged 21 months. METHODS: An open tip rhinoplasty was performed using a 'V' shaped columellar incision. The conchal composite graft was obtained from the lateral aspect of the ear and was used to reconstruct the lateral alar mucosal defects. Conchal cartilage was used as a columellar strut. The columellar skin was closed in a 'V-Y' fashion, giving greater columellar length. RESULTS: Visual inspection confirmed that the cleft lip nasal deformity was improved in all patients. There were no postoperative complications. All patients had complete composite graft take with minimal donor site morbidity and deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive rhinoplasty technique improves the abnormalities found in bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity by using the successful aspects of other methods and introducing the composite conchal graft.     

Nasal reconstruction with double-layer tensor fascia lata-wrapped diced rib cartilage in a patient with severe dorsal collapse

For patients with large dorsal defects due to posttraumatic deformities, rib cartilage or calvarial bone is used for reconstruction. Problems such as graft contour, distortion, limited amounts, and donor morbidity continue to exist for cartilage and bone grafts. To overcome the limitations of such grafts, many authors have used diced cartilage wrapped with fascia. However, diced cartilage wrapped with fascia is not suitable for structural support in cases of dorsal nasal collapse. We describe a technique using a dorsal structural graft for a 28-year-old man who had severe dorsal nasal collapse after a traffic collision. For enhancement of strength, we harvested a thick segment of the tensor fascia lata and applied 2 layers. A large amount of rib cartilage was inserted between the thick fascia layers. The tensor fascia lata wrapped with diced cartilage graft for dorsal augmentation is fraught with structural graft, similar to bone or cartilage grafts. This semirigid technique may be another option for dorsal structural support of severe nose deformities.     

A novel approach to cleft lip nose deformity: posterior dome graft technique

The pathology of "nasal tip complex" remains as a problem to be solved in unilateral cleft lip nose deformity wherein open rhinoplasty and cartilage grafts are used frequently. For this reason, the research for the treatment of cleft-side tip projection lost and ala depression still continues. Our technique is to put the cartilage graft at posterior dome area after the release of cleft-side ala from vestibular mucosa and skin to elevate the ala depression and tip projection. This technique has been used on 16 patients between the years 2003 and 2007. This technique, different from the augmentation methods, aims to increase the direct lateral crura's elastic support strength and to support the new position of alar cartilage. This method will particularly be helpful in obtaining the long-term results in delayed and serious cases.     

Improved nasal tip projection in the treatment of bilateral cleft nasal deformity

The cleft nose deformity in bilateral cleft lip and palate patients with severely flattened alar cartilages, a short, scarred columella, and thickened skin is a reconstructive challenge. The Wolfe double-arch tip rhinoplasty technique was compared with a cartilage release and tip grafting technique to determine the optimal modality for tip projection and columella lengthening. Patients with significant bilateral cleft nasal deformities and previous bilateral cleft lip repairs were divided into two groups (n = 22). Group 1 (double-arch) patients underwent an open rhinoplasty using conchal cartilage grafts to create a columellar strut and new lower lateral arches placed over the existing arches (n = 12). In group 2 (release and tip graft), the lower lateral cartilages were released, and nasal tip grafting was performed (n = 10). Preoperative and 6-month postoperative measurements, including (1) columellar length, (2) alar base-nasal tip-columellar base (ATC) angle, and (3) lateral tip projection, were compared. The lateral tip projection is the perpendicular distance between the nasal tip and a line created from the connection of points at the nasion to the subnasale. In group 1 (double arch), the mean columella length increased 47.2%, whereas in group 2 (release and tip graft), it only increased 14.1%. The ATC angle had a mean decrease or narrowing of 26.7 degrees in group 1, compared with a 12.5 degrees decrease in group 2. Lateral tip projection improvement was greater in group 1 (52.2% increase) compared with group 2 (19.9% increase). The authors' data showed that for the difficult bilateral cleft nasal deformity with significant tip flattening, the double-arch tip rhinoplasty provides improved nasal tip projection.     

Nasomaxillary reconstruction in Binder syndrome: bone versus cartilage grafts. A long-term intercenter comparison between Sweden and Mexico

Maxillonasal dysplasia is characterized by a concave facial profile and a flat nose. The etiology of Binder syndrome is skeletal hypoplasia around the piriform aperture and excavations-fossae prenasales, bilaterally in the nasal floor-which are pathognomonic. There is no real shortage of the soft tissues. In 2 medical centers in Sweden and Mexico, different grafts were used for reconstruction, but the focus was similar, filling out the maxilla anterior to the nasal floor and supporting the nasal framework to normalize tip projection. The basis for this study was to compare the long-term results between bone grafts in Sweden and cartilage grafts in Mexico. Sixteen patients from both groups were available for long-term follow-up. Simplified digital analysis of anthropometric variables were performed in the short-term and long-term follow-ups. The Swedish group had primary at the mean age of 21.3 years, whereas mean follow-up period was 16.8 years later. The Mexican group had primary at the age of 13.6 years, and the follow-up period was 8.4 years. Secondary correction was necessary in 25% of the patients in the bone graft group (Sweden) and in 19% of patients in the cartilage group (Mexico). Bone grafts slightly relapsed in tip projection and remodeled to some extent in the nasolabial angle. Cartilage grafts showed stability in the tip projection quotients and resulted in a postoperative normalization of the nasolabial angle but developed a slight relapse between the short-term and long-term follow-ups. Both techniques were stable in nose tip-length ratio, and a normalization of anthropometric variables was demonstrated in all the long-term follow-ups. Both the bone and cartilage graft techniques at the 2 centers rendered the intended result of an increased and normalized angle of convexity of the face and nasal tip projection. An experience in the properties and behavior of either graft is necessary to get a long-term stable outcome.     

Objective tools to analyze the lower lateral cartilage in unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity is an elusive goal. A controversy exists regarding the cause of the deformity, and therefore, there is a controversy of how to correct the deformity. Extrinsic theory is based on the presence of deformational forces from outside. The intrinsic theory is associated with deficiency of the lower lateral cartilage. The aim of this study was to use new objective tools to compare morphologically and histologically between the lower lateral cartilages of cleft and noncleft sides in patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. This study included 16 patients. They were operated on to correct unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Length, width, and thickness of lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages of cleft and noncleft sides were measured. Punch biopsies from the middle part of the caudal ends of lateral crura were taken and sent for histologic and immunohistochemical studies. The lateral crura of the cleft side were significantly wider and shorter and tend to be thinner than those of the noncleft side. There was no significant difference in the chondroblast, chondrocyte, and total cellular number in the lower lateral cartilage of the cleft and noncleft sides. There was significantly less glycosaminoglycan content in the ground matrix of the lower lateral cartilage of cleft side. In conclusion, the use of digital sliding caliber in measuring the diminutions of the lower lateral cartilage and image analyzer to quantify the proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, fibroblast growth factor 18, and collagen content is very effective objective tools to compare the cleft and noncleft alar cartilage.     

Reconstruction of internal nasal valve, septum, dorsum, and anterior structures of the nose in a single procedure with a molded bone graft: the sail graft

ABSTRACT: Excessive surgical removal or traumatic loss of the tissues supporting the nasal roof can result in the "saddle nose" deformity. It involves both cartilage and bone deficiencies. Two main resources are used to reconstruct this difficult deformity: autogenous bone and cartilage grafts and alloplastic materials. This study presents the reconstruction of the dorsum, septum, internal nasal valve, and anterior structures and the tip of the nose using a block of molded autogenous bone graft. We called it the "sail graft," because it looks like a sail from a lateral view. The mast of the sail is oriented in a superior-to-inferior direction, beginning in the frontonasal region to the tip of the nose to form a straight, well-rounded dorsum. The longest postoperative follow-up of 13 cases is now 10 years; the median follow-up is 2 years. The results have been satisfactory.     

Versatility of three-dimensional total alar cartilage dissection in aesthetic rhinoplasty

In many cases, Asians' noses are shorter; their nasal tips have a bulbous shape and typically lack the projection. To correct these problems, we completely dissected the alar cartilage in a three-dimensional manner by which the alar cartilage could be repositioned. Thus, no external force was exerted to the alar cartilage. For approximately 4 years, a total of 502 patients were treated with this surgical method. Using the open rhinoplasty, the alar cartilage was dissected in such a manner that it should be completely isolated from the skin, nasal mucosa, and upper lateral cartilage in 3 layers. Thereafter, using various nasal tip plasty techniques, the alar cartilage was reshaped and then repositioned. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 18 months. Then, the degree of subjective satisfaction of patients was analyzed with the use of 4-point visual analog scale scores. On the assessment of the degree of subjective satisfaction of patients, of a total of 502 patients, 87% responded as "very satisfactory" or "satisfactory." Through an analysis of the photographs taken before and after surgery, in patients with a short nose, the current surgical procedure was effective in extending the length of nose without the septal extension graft. The nasolabial angle was ideally expressed. Through meticulous cartilage manipulation, the tip projection improved and a bulbous shape of the nasal tip was resolved. In an aesthetic rhinoplasty for Asians, if plastic surgery of the nasal tip should be performed using a three-dimensional dissection of the alar cartilage, it would be helpful for surgeons to effectively and freely manipulate the alar cartilage according to their plans.     

Correction of the skeletal nasal base in rhinoplasty.

The anatomic abnormalities responsible for the unesthetic nose have been rather extensively described and detailed in clinical studies, applied clinical research (anthropometric) evaluations, and laboratory investigations. These include alterations in the nasal bones, septum, upper lateral cartilage, lower lateral cartilages, skin, nerves, and vessels. However, little attention has been directed to the nasal base, which is frequently deficient and/or asymmetrical in people with nasal deformities. The importance of recognizing this deformity when evaluating patients for rhinoplasty and its subsequent correction as part of the procedure are discussed.     

Dorsal nasal reconstruction using bone harvested from the mandible.

PURPOSE: This article describes a technique for reconstructing nasal deformities resulting from trauma. Bone harvested from the lateral ramus/body of the mandible is used to provide nasal support for major nasal deformities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients underwent repair of their nasal deformities with an autogenous bone graft harvested from the mandible. Primary bone grafting was used to repair a nasal deformity associated with a naso-orbito-ethmoidal fracture in 8 patients. Secondarily, 2 patients underwent placement of a graft for correction of a saddle nose deformity. RESULTS: All patients achieved aesthetic results. There was maintenance of nasal projection and symmetry without displacement of the graft. None of the patients complained of an unnatural hardness of the nasal tip or dorsum. All grafts healed without evidence of infection, dehiscence, or necrosis. CONCLUSION: The lateral ramus/body of the mandible provide an excellent donor site alternative for nasal reconstruction.     

Three-dimensional analysis of autologous costal cartilage in Asian secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty

This study describes a surgical technique for secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty using autologous costal cartilage grafts. The grafts were designed preoperatively and analysed three-dimensionally in 15 Asian patients using a photogrammetric camera. Detailed measurements of the nasal anatomy were taken both preoperatively and postoperatively; the same measurements were also taken from the pre-planned images of the anticipated result. When compared to the preoperative measurements, the postoperative three-dimensional outcome analysis revealed several statistically significant improvements in the nasal appearance: nasal dorsal length (P < 0.001), nasal column height (P = 0.001), nasal column width (P = 0.002), nasal lobule height (P = 0.008), cleft side nostril height (P < 0.001) and width (P < 0.001), columella–labial angle (P = 0.001), and nasal tip projection to nasal dorsum length ratio (NTP/NDL) (P = 0.001). Conversely, the comparison of the postoperative and preoperative design measurements showed mostly no statistically significant differences. Thus, utilizing autologous costal cartilage is a reliable approach with predictable and consistent results in secondary cleft rhinoplasty.     

Using three-dimensional nasal forms to compare definitive unilateral cleft lip nose correction with/without a cross-lap joint cartilage graft technique

To compare three-dimensional (3D) nasal forms after definitive correction of unilateral cleft lip (UCL)-nose using an extended spreader cartilage graft with/without a cross-lap joint cartilage graft technique.Twenty-four patients with UCL who underwent definitive nose correction using an extended spreader cartilage graft with a cross-lap joint technique (CLJ group) and fifteen patients with UCL who underwent nose correction without a cross-lap joint technique (non-CLJ group) were enrolled in this study. Pre- and postoperative 3D nasal forms were compared between the two groups.The CLJ group demonstrated more successful recovery of the nasal tip and anterior nasal ridge in the center of the face (P < 0.01), and the higher nasal tip was maintained for more than 1 year (P = 0.008). The differences in the cephalo-caudal heights of the nasal alar groove and curvatures of the alar groove arch were successfully improved in both CLJ and non-CLJ groups. The nasal angles on lateral profiles did not change in either group.An extended spreader cartilage graft with a cross-lap joint technique facilitates satisfactory recovery of the nasal tip in the center of the face and a higher nasal tip, avoiding over-projection in the definitive correction of UCL-nose.     

Comparison of conchal cartilage graft with nasal septal cartilage graft for reconstruction of orbital floor blowout fractures

Our aim was to compare autogenous nasal septal cartilage and conchal cartilage as grafts for reconstruction of orbital blowout fractures. Twenty-two patients with blowout fractures were randomly assigned to two groups for treatment with a graft of nasal septal cartilage or conchal cartilage. Patients were evaluated for the presence of enophthalmos, diplopia, dysfunction of the infraorbital nerve, and restriction of the ocular muscles. Patients with enophthalmos of more than 2 mm were included in the study, and were followed up postoperatively at 10 days, 1 month, and 3–6 months. The patients treated with a nasal septal cartilage graft had significantly better correction of enophthalmos than those treated with conchal cartilage (p = 0.02) after 10 days (p = 0.02), 1 month (p = 0.004), and 3–6 months (p = 0.001). There was significantly less residual enophthalmos in the nasal septal graft group after 1 month (0.91 compared with 1.72 mm, p = 0.02), and after 3–6 months (1.0 compared with 2.54 mm, p = 0.008). Correction of enophthalmos was considerably better in patients who were operated on within 4 weeks of injury. We think that nasal septal cartilage is a better graft than conchal cartilage for reconstruction of blowout fractures. The time to intervention (the earlier the better) is a critical point in the correction of enophthalmos.     

Assessment of nostril symmetry after primary cleft rhinoplasty in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate

The aim of this study was to assess the nostril symmetry following primary cleft rhinoplasty done with either a dorsal onlay or columellar strut graft in patients with non-syndromic complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. In this retrospective study 30 consecutive patients treated with autogenous or alloplastic dorsal onlay grafts and 30 consecutive patients treated with autogenous or alloplastic columellar strut grafts for complete unilateral cleft nose reconstruction were analyzed for nasal symmetry. The autogenous grafts used were costo-chondral or septal cartilage and the alloplastic graft used was high density polyethylene (Medpore^®). Assessment of the nostril symmetry was done using a two-dimensional nasal analysis 24–30 months postoperatively. Ratios between cleft and noncleft side nostril for three parameters were used to assess symmetry namely nostril width, nostril height and nostril gap area. None of the three parameters showed statistically significant changes. A satisfactory, though not statistically significant, difference in symmetrical outcome could be achieved in both the groups with the exception of nostril width symmetry in group treated with dorsal onlay graft.