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.     

Measurement of preoperative and postoperative nasal tip projection and rotation

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of columellar struts and cephalic trim on tip projection and tip rotation using digitized photographs. METHODS: Using photographs of 62 patients who underwent external rhinoplasty, we retrospectively analyzed nasal tip projection (the Goode method) and rotation (nasolabial angle) before and after surgery. A cartilaginous strut was used in 36 patients, whereas 26 patients did not receive a strut. Patients were categorized into 4 subgroups, depending on the placement of a strut (placement, strut+ vs nonplacement, strut-) and the removal of the cephalic margin (removal, cephalic+ vs nonremoval, cephalic-) of the lateral crus: strut-/cephalic-, n = 17; strut+/cephalic-, n = 23; strut-/cephalic+, n = 9; strut+/cephalic+, n = 12. RESULTS: Nasal tip projection, measured with the Goode method, increased from 0.58 to 0.60 (P = .02) in the strut+ group; in the strut- group, nasal tip projection did not change significantly. Nasolabial angle increased from 93.96 degrees to 100.92 degrees in the strut+/cephalic- group and from 88.30 degrees to 95.06 degrees in the strut+/cephalic+ group. Removal of the cephalic margin alone (strut-/cephalic+) hardly affected tip rotation (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: The external rhinoplasty approach did not lead to a decrease in nasal tip projection. A cartilaginous strut slightly increased nasal tip projection and also increased nasal tip rotation. This effect was accentuated by the removal of the cephalic margin of the lateral crus.     

Secondary Rhinoplasty of the Asian Nose: Correction of the Contracted Nose

The contracted nose is a unique entity that follows primary rhinoplasty in the Asian patient. The proposed reasons for this complication are capsular contraction from a silicone nasal implant, pressure necrosis of the lower lateral cartilage resulting from the nasal implant, and infection after alloplastic implantation. The two principal anatomic constituents that must be addressed at the time of secondary rhinoplasty are the lower lateral cartilages and the skin envelope. The lower lateral cartilages should be derotated, projected, and transfixed with an extended spreader graft. Additional onlay grafting may be required to provide greater nasal tip derotation and projection. A transcolumellar incision situated at the columellar-labial angle permits undermining of the upper lip skin to release tension on the incision. If the nasal tip retraction is severe, then the skin envelope may be insufficient to provide coverage to the new cartilaginous framework. In this case, a paramedian forehead flap is recommended to provide adequate tissue coverage. Correction of alar–columellar disparity should be undertaken with composite grafting only after 6 months have transpired to gauge the ultimate relation between the alae and columella. Infection that arises after correction of the contracted nose can be devastating. It should be treated aggressively, but tailored to the severity of the infection. Wound tension along the columella may predispose to skin necrosis and consequent cartilage exposure, which should be managed in turn with prostaglandin emollients to accelerate wound healing and to prevent infection.     

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.     

Another Use of the Alar Cartilaginous Flap

Background Resection of the cephalic or middle portion of lateral crura of alar cartilages is a method for correcting bulbous nose in which the resected cartilages usually are discarded, resulting in a waste of autologous tissues. A silastic implant usually is used to correct saddle nose in Asian countries, but implant extrusion, a severe complication, sometimes occurs. Cartilage flaps were first reported by José to increase the projection of the nasal tip. In this study, the authors used cartilaginous flaps of the lateral crura to wrap the tip of the nasal implant for patients with bulbous and saddle noses. This study aimed to investigate the application of cartilaginous flaps of lateral crura. Methods A flap was created from the cephalic portion of the lateral crus of the alar cartilage, leaving the caudal portion intact. The cartilage flap remained attached at the level of the original domal segment of the middle crura. It was rotated over to wrap the tip of the silastic implant, then sutured to the other side flap. Results From March 2003, 19 patients were treated with this technique. The results were satisfactory without implant extrusion or any other complications except for nonobvious scars. Conclusion The cartilage flap can reduce the incidence of implant extrusion and help to reduce the size of the bulbous tip.     

自体耳软骨联合自体真皮组织在假体隆鼻修复术中的应用

目的:探讨应用自体耳软骨与自体真皮组织以增加鼻尖部与鼻背部组织高度,并联合假体材料进行隆鼻修复术。方法:取耳甲腔软骨雕刻成形,固定在假体鼻尖部;取颞部头侧真皮,覆盖在假体背部表面,将此复合假体置入原有鼻背隧道内。结果:本组患者25例,随访6个月～1年,无假体变形及皮肤坏死,患者对假体外形及透光度等方面的改善效果满意。结论:应用自体耳软骨增加鼻尖组织高度,自体真皮组织增加鼻背组织高度,在隆鼻修复术中能有效解决原有隆鼻术造成的鼻尖及鼻背组织变薄发亮、假体轮廓不自然等不良并发症。     

The transvestibular approach: a new horizon in rhinoplasty

The lower lateral cartilage has intricate anatomical elements that define shape, projection, and relations with other nasal tip structures. Good exposure of the lower lateral cartilages is an essential step in rhinoplasty. Conservative surgical techniques are essential to get natural long-term results. Different endonasal techniques have limitations in visualizing the lateral and intermediate crura, predisposing patients to asymmetries in reduction and rearrangement. In this article, a new endonasal rhinoplasty approach is described. Using a marginal incision, the vestibular skin is elevated and the endonasal surface of the lower lateral cartilage is exposed, permitting precise reduction, rearrangement, and placement of interdomal suspension sutures and lateral crural spanning sutures. This article discusses the surgical steps and results of my experience using this approach. This transvestibular approach is a new, dependable, and simple method that should allow rhinoplastic surgeons to perform this operation with predictable results and limited variables.     

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     

Use of umbrella graft for nasal tip projection

An adequate nasal tip projection is of the utmost importance for good nasal aesthetics. Conventional rhinoplasty procedures are not adequate for achieving nasal tip projection in tips with inadequate projection (TIP). This article describes our technique of using an umbrella-shaped cartilage graft to the tip. The graft is carved from caudal septal and alar cartilages. The results and advantages of the technique are discussed.     

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.     

长盾形和多层盖板耳廓软骨移植物在鼻尖整形中的应用

目的:探讨长盾形和多层盖板耳廓软骨移植物在鼻尖塑造中的应用。方法:在分离、修整、缝合下外侧软骨穹窿部的基础上,于耳后颅耳沟切口切取耳廓软骨,修剪成长盾形及2~3块盖板移植物,用于鼻尖的塑形。结果:共11例患者,随访时间6~24月,效果满意,无严重并发症发生。结论:长盾形和多层盖板耳廓软骨移植物可以良好的修饰鼻尖,取材方便,操作简单,效果肯定。     

The effect of releasing tip-supporting structures in short-nose correction

Correction of a short nose has been regarded as one of the most challenging and at times vexing procedures in rhinoplasty. One surgical option used to prolong nasal length is the freeing of the alar cartilages from adjacent structures by dividing the nasal tip supporting tissues. Five fibrous connections are known to be important in maintaining the nasal tip shape: fibrous tissues between the upper lateral and lower lateral cartilages; the lateral border of the lower lateral cartilages at the pyriform aperture; the interdormal ligament and anterior septal angle; the footplate of the medial crus and septal cartilage; and the dermocartilaginous ligament. This study was designed to determine which of the fibrous connections providing nasal tip support offer the most effect of lengthening when these structures are divided. We performed 10 open rhinoplasties on fresh cadavers, and we sequentially divided the previously mentioned tip-supporting structures, except the dermocartilaginous ligament. The mucoperichondrium of the upper lateral and septal cartilages was also elevated, in accordance with the usual order of being released in a short-nose correction procedure. We measured the distance between the anterior septal angle and tip-defining points by using calipers while the middle crura of the lower lateral cartilages were stretched with a skin hook. We found that the most effective length was gained by severing the lateral crus from the upper lateral cartilages, and moderate gain was noted from the release at the pyriform aperture and mucoperichondrium of the upper lateral cartilage. Release of other tip-defining structures was not statistically effective.     

Upper lateral cartilage fold-in flap: a combined spreader and/or splay graft effect without cartilage grafts

Dorsal hump reduction almost always breaks the internal nasal valve and nasal obstruction is likely to occur postoperatively, unless reconstructed. One hundred eighty patients were operated using both open and closed rhinoplasty approaches. Upper lateral cartilages were meticulously separated from their junction with septum. Following bony and septal cartilaginous hump removal, upper lateral cartilages were folded inward. Either transcartilaginous horizontal mattress/simple sutures or perichondrial sutures were used depending of the desired width of the middle vault and the necessity for a splay-graft effect. In 7 patients unilateral, and in 1 patient bilateral, nasal synechia occurred and they were all treated under local anesthesia. All patients but 9 stated significantly improved nasal breathing. There was no inverted-V deformity or middle-vault narrowing observed. This technique is simple and physiologic, might be applicable for almost all primary rhinoplasty patients. Although it is possible with closed rhinoplasty approaches, it is easier with an open approach.     

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。     

A surgical approach to the bifid nose

Summary A bifid nose is a rare congenital deformity due to failure of the paired nasal processes to fuse to a single midline organ during early gestation.Mild forms can be dealt with along the principles of corrective rhinoplasty.In the correction of moderate to severe forms of a bifid nose a new approach is presented.Through an external skin incision an extramucous resection of a scaphoid segment of cartilage and bone consisting of the 2 widely spread laminae of the cartilaginous and osseous septum bifidum is performed and a monolaminar septum is reconstructed fusing the two septal portions together with the mucosal lining with mattress sutures in the midline. Narrowing of the wide nasal base is achieved by lateral and transverse osteotomy with consequent medial shift of the side walls.The scaphoid shaped segment is then replanted to form the new natural hyphen looking triangular and elevated nasal roof. The alar cartilages are united in the midline and shaped to form a single tip.In one patient with a bifid nose associated with a congenital median nasal dermoid cyst the sinus tract and the cyst were extirpated and the nose reconstructed simultaneously using this technique.     

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.     

Increasing the Length of the Middle Crura for Better Tip Projection in Primary Rhinoplasty

Cartilage grafts have been a very popular method for achieving tip projection in difficult noses. Sometimes asymmetries and graft visibility are undesirable complications. Remodeling the alar cartilages, using a cartilage flap from the lateral crura, rotated over the original domes, is another alternative for achieving tip refinement and projection. The surgical technique is described and clinical results are presented.     

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.     

Apex columellar cartilage graft

The classical rhinoplasty techniques do not give the best results when used on thick skin noses. We have developed a new technique, apex columellar cartilage graft, for correcting nasal tip projection in thick skin noses.Presented at the ISAPS Meeting, New York, October 1987