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.     

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.     

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.     

Nasal bone grafting using split skull grafts

The nose has been reconstructed with bone grafts, cartilage, and silicone. Each of these methods has disadvantages, but the bone graft is most trouble free. It is possible to take a split skull graft with a high speed drill and an osteotome. The position of the graft site on the skull determines its shape. This can be tailored to the desired nasal contour. Several grafts may be used to build up the nasal dorsum further. This method has been used in patients suffering from acute trauma and deformities resulting from previous trauma, rhinoplasty, congenital anomalies, and after cancer resection. Apart from 1 scalp wound infection, there have been no complications in 24 cases. The degree of bone graft resorption has been minimal, and the level of patient satisfaction has been high.     

Secondary rhinoplasty: management of the overresected dorsum

Any discussion of grafting the dorsum in secondary rhinoplasty must take into account the different indications (aesthetic, augmentation, and structure) as well as recent changes in materials and techniques (fascia, diced cartilage). We have placed solid dorsal grafts with diced cartilage grafts either as an isolated diced cartilage graft in fascia graft or as the aesthetic dorsal contour layer of a composite reconstruction. The rational for this profound change in selection and indication of dorsal grafts for revising the overresected dorsum will become clear as the various alternative materials and techniques are analyzed. Currently, we only employ autogenous tissues.     

Use of Autologous Costal Cartilage Combined with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene in Asian Rhinoplasty

BackgroundThe corresponding author's experience and recent methods employed in autologous costal cartilage grafts combined with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in Asian rhinoplasty were presented in this study.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of rhinoplasty performed on patients using autogenous costal cartilage grafts combined with an ePTFE implant.MethodsSeventy-five rhinoplasty cases with autologous costal cartilage grafts and an ePTFE implant were retrospectively reviewed. Graft types, complications associated with the graft itself or graft harvesting, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction were assessed.ResultsThe mean follow-up time post-operation was 13.5 months. A total of 42/75 patients underwent revision surgeries. Graft-related complications were found in 8% of cases, including two warped graft and four infection cases. Three individuals with infections had mild graft resorption. One patient with an infection removed the implant. Graft exposure, mobility, and substantial resorption were not recorded. A total of two cases underwent revision procedures for infection and perforation, respectively. Chest incision lengths for graft harvesting averaged 2.1 cm. No pneumothorax or significant donor-site pain was found. Donor-site scars were negligible, although two cases had hypertrophic chest scars. In general, functional and esthetic outcomes were mostly satisfactory among the assessed patients.ConclusionsRhinoplasty using autologous rib cartilage provides adequate support and sufficient cartilage amounts for correcting nasal contouring. Meanwhile, ePTFE alone for nasal dorsum augmentation safely achieves satisfactory outcomes. Rib cartilage rhinoplasty performed by an experienced surgeon yields excellent, long-lasting results with minimal risk; however, the potential for infection should be considered following revision surgery.     

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 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.     

鼻中隔软骨联合自体真皮组织在鼻综合整形术中的应用

目的探讨应用鼻中隔软骨行鼻尖塑形,并联合采用自体真皮组织隆鼻的临床疗效。方法本组36例求美者均采用鼻小柱开放式切口,应用自体鼻中隔软骨,根据需要做鼻小柱支撑物、鼻尖移植物或鼻中隔延伸移植物;于臀下皱襞处取真皮组织瓣,去除表皮及皮下脂肪,切开真皮,缝合成多层置于鼻背筋膜下,妥善固定。结果36例求美者术后无切口感染裂开及软骨外露,鼻外形自然饱满,鼻尖表现点明显,侧面观弧线圆润。术后随访3个月至2年,切口无明显瘢痕增生,鼻外形无显著变化,效果满意。结论鼻中隔软骨联合自体真皮组织移植是综合鼻整形中的有效方法,值得临床推广应用。     

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     

New concepts in nasal tip contouring

Control of nasal tip contour has always been a key component of a successful rhinoplasty. Typically, this procedure is performed with an emphasis on narrowing the nasal tip structure. Creating a natural-appearing nasal tip contour is a complex task and requires a 3-dimensional approach. In an effort to identify the characteristics that make an ideal nasal tip, I evaluated numerous aesthetically pleasing nasal tips. After extensive study, I created a series of images to demonstrate how specific contours create highlights and shadows that will help guide the surgeon in creating a natural-appearing nasal tip contour. Many commonly used nasal tip techniques can pinch the tip structures if an overemphasis is placed on narrowing. These changes isolate the dome region of the nasal tip and can create an undesirable shadow between the tip lobule and alar lobule. Prior to contouring the nasal tip, the surgeon must stabilize the base of the nose with a columellar strut, suturing the medial crura to a long caudal septum, caudal extension graft, or an extended columellar strut graft. Stabilizing the nasal base will ensure that tip projection is maintained postoperatively. To contour the nasal tip, dome sutures are frequently used to flatten the lateral crura and eliminate tip bulbosity. Placement of dome sutures can deform the lateral crura and displace the caudal margin of the lateral crura well below the cephalic margin. This can result in a pinched nasal tip with the characteristic demarcation between the tip and the alar lobule. Alar rim grafts can be used to support the alar margin and create a defined ridge that extends from the tip lobule to the alar lobule. This form of restructuring can create a natural-appearing nasal tip contour with a horizontal tip orientation continuing out to the alar lobule. When dome sutures alone are inadequate, lateral crural strut grafts are used to eliminate convexity and prevent deformity of the lateral crura. Shield tip grafts can be used in patients with thick skin and an underprojected nasal tip. Whenever a shield tip graft is used, it must be appropriately camouflaged to avoid undesirable visualization of the graft as the postoperative edema subsides. When contouring the nasal tip, the surgeon should focus more on creating favorable shadows and highlights and less on narrowing. Nasal tips contoured in this manner will look more natural and will better withstand the forces of scar contracture that can negatively affect rhinoplasty outcomes.     

Labiocolumellar Graft Combined with Tip Graft in the Management of Inadequate Tip Projection

The short distance of the nasal tip from the alar crease indicates inadequate projection. Tip grafts are commonly used for the management of this problem. In addition to tip grafts, labiocolumellar augmentation by cartilage grafts also provides further elevation of the tip complex for patients with poor tip definition, excessive alar base width, inadequate tip projection, or plunging nasal tip. In addition to standard rhinoplasty procedure and tip grafting for nasal tip augmentation, a linear cartilage graft was inserted centrally just behind the labiocolumellar angle for further tip elevation. The graft was placed in the subdermal plane just anterior to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent graft displacement and clicking during muscle motion. This procedure was performed for 45 rhinoplasty patients, only three of whom underwent tip plasty procedures alone. During 1 year, 43 patients were followed up. Most of the patients (75%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Tip graft combined with labiocolumellar graft is an effective technique for obtaining satisfactory tip projection and correcting the acute labiocolumellar angle. Presented at The XVI. Congress of ISAPS, 26–29 May 2002, Istanbul, Turkey, and should be attributed to Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, and Haseki Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Istanbul, Turkey.     

Tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty

In the patient who undergoes revision rhinoplasty, tip grafts are used often when overresection has resulted in structural deficit of deformity. As a result, the last 20 years have witnessed a progressive movement toward more conservative handling of the nasal tip. Still, as some surgeons have not adopted that philosophy and because many more surgeons have not adopted that philosophy and because many more surgeons now take on difficult primary tip problems because of the advent of the external approach, major tip problems continue to plague the final result. Despite these potential variables, when used correctly, the tip graft is critical in achieving the successful reconstruction of the nasal tip region. This article reviews the indications and techniques for tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty and explores how these indications and techniques for tip grafts in revision rhinoplasty and explores how these indications could be prevented in the primary setting.     

自体耳软骨联合硅胶假体在隆鼻术后再次鼻整形中的应用

目的 探讨自体耳软骨联合硅胶假体移植在再次鼻整形中的应用价值.方法 对29例初次应用硅胶假体隆鼻术形态欠佳的患者,使用自体耳软骨联合硅胶假体移植进行修复.结果 本组29例患者随访3~12个月,27例鼻部形态良好,鼻背延长,鼻尖抬高,鼻唇角角度改善,鼻尖皮肤无红肿,未发现假体外形显露、下移、排异反应等并发症,手术效果满意.其中2例患者术后拆线时发现鼻背部不对称,予以假体包囊分离缝合固定后效果满意.结论 自体耳软骨联合硅胶假体能延长鼻背,抬高鼻尖,有效防止鼻尖假体外形显露、张力过大、皮肤变薄、鼻尖皮肤穿孔等并发症发生,手术效果满意,值得推广.     

Rhinoplasty and the nasal SMAS augmentation graft: advantages and indications

We evaluated the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) as an autologous augmentation graft material in the thick-skinned patient undergoing cosmetic rhinoplasty using a retrospective review. Representative case reports demonstrated preliminary long-term results after augmentation with the nasal SMAS graft in an academic rhinoplasty practice. En bloc excision of the nasal SMAS in thick-skinned patients produced uniformly favorable improvements in nasal tip definition without adverse sequelae. Moreover, in 10 patients, the harvested material was also used for volume augmentation at various adjacent nasal sites, including the radix, nasal sidewall, and nasal dorsum. Long-term follow-up ranging from 1 to 3 years suggests stable volume augmentation in this initial patient series. No donor morbidity was observed in properly selected patients, and enhancements in nasal tip definition were uniformly favorable. Additional studies are needed to more accurately characterize long-term nasal SMAS graft survival in all patients.     

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.     

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.     

The radix graft in cosmetic rhinoplasty

Experience with rhinoplasty over time has shown that a detailed anatomic analysis of the nose is an essential first step in achieving a successful outcome. Failure to recognize a particular anatomic point preoperatively will often lead to a less than ideal long-term result. Deficiency in the radix is a commonly overlooked abnormality that may be found both in patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty and patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty after an overzealous bony hump removal. Whereas surgeons previously reduced the nasal dorsum down to the level of the radix on a routine basis, recent emphasis on a strong natural profile has focused attention on anatomic deficiency in the radix region. We describe a simple technique for treatment of the deep nasofrontal angle and present patient examples. Autologous cartilage grafts may be fashioned into a "radix graft" and reliably used to augment the region either with a precise pocket approach or without when a precise pocket is not possible, achieving a natural aesthetic result.     

自体软骨与膨体聚四氟乙烯在鼻整形手术中的应用

目的：通过应用自体鼻中隔软骨和耳软骨及膨体聚四氟乙烯解决鼻部美容整形的问题,以形成较理想的鼻形。方法：以鼻小柱飞鸟形切口加鼻翼软骨缘切口,切开分离鼻背皮肤,显露两侧鼻翼软骨及侧鼻软骨,中线分离弓形取出深部鼻中隔软骨,鼻中隔软骨雕刻塑形后插入两鼻翼软骨之间,并贯穿缝合形成中隔软骨＋鼻翼软骨为新的鼻小柱。将取下的耳软骨雕刻成杏仁状固定缝合于鼻小柱前端,雕刻好的膨体聚四氟乙烯插入鼻背固定,缝合切口。结果：20例美容就医者鼻部整形术后效果良好,自然美观,手感良好,无不良并发症发生,术后恢复时间略长。结论：应用自体鼻中隔软骨和耳软骨及膨体聚四氟乙烯行鼻部美容整形,能从根本上改变外鼻形态,是较理想的手术方法。