Male revision rhinoplasty: pearls and surgical techniques

Male revision rhinoplasty surgery is the most difficult and challenging procedure that facial plastic surgeons perform because males usually have thick nasal skin, which is more difficult to re-support and project the nasal tip, and often have high or unrealistic expectations. The primary etiology for the need for male revision rhinoplasty is a primary rhinoplasty with aggressive lower lateral cartilage reduction that causes tip ptosis and loss of projection. The goal to an aesthetically pleasing revision rhinoplasty is to re-create adequate tip projection and an intact strong tripod complex. Following tip reconstruction, the height and width of the dorsum should be set. For male revision nasal surgery, a clear and thorough knowledge of nasal anatomy, function, and surgical techniques is paramount. Having an extensive preoperative discussion including expectations, outcomes, and a detailed list of potential complications with the patient can prevent physician-patient mis-communication. Prior to surgery, review the examination, previous operative summary, photographs, nasal analysis sheet, problem list, and plan and then proceed with the surgical treatment.     

Revision of the cleft lip nose

Secondary or revision rhinoplasty for the cleft nasal deformity represents one of the most challenging problems in rhinoplasty surgery. The secondary nasal deformity of the unilateral cleft lip involves a retrodisplaced dome of the ipsilateral nasal tip, hooding of the alar rim, a secondary alar-columellar web, and other deficiencies. This article discusses techniques to achieve the best possible outcome for patients with cleft nasal deformities. We emphasize the importance of early intervention by way of primary cleft rhinoplasty and highlight the typical challenges presented in delayed (secondary) or revision cleft rhinoplasty. We describe how the sliding flap cheilorhinoplasty effectively corrects these deformities using a laterally based chondrocutaneous flap via an open rhinoplasty approach. Columellar struts and shield grafts are some of the techniques combined with this approach to produce optimal results.     

Simultane innere und äußere sekundäre Rhinoseptumplastik

Background

Revision operations are often necessary after rhinoplasties. Secondary rhinoplasty patients represent an inhomogeneous group with varying degrees of surgical requirements. After primary operations parts of the nasal framework are often missing which must then be laboriously reconstructed. The normal techniques of primary rhinoplasty are insufficient for such secondary interventions. Septal perforations are a particular challenge for surgeons and have a risk of recurrence.

Objectives

The possible causes, their avoidance and suitable methods for secondary operations are presented.

Methods

The indications and principles of primary and secondary rhinoplasty are described. A classification of secondary rhinoplasties is presented which facilitates the planning and evaluation. The strategic principles of nasal scaffold reconstruction and suitable operative techniques are explained. The simultaneous secondary rhinoseptoplasty for loss of lower lateral cartilage and closure of septal perforation is demonstrated in two clinical cases.

Conclusion

Resection rhinoplasty for nose correction is still widely used; however, it should no longer be applied because it weakens the nasal scaffold resulting in secondary alterations and more follow-up operations. Modern structure-retaining nasal surgery in contrast is based on the concept of maintaining the nasal scaffold and its reshaping and stabilization. Important prerequisites for successful rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty are a straight, stable internal septal scaffold and a sufficiently projected and stable nasal tip complex. Simultaneous internal and external nasal corrections, i.e. rhinoseptoplasty, are often necessary.     

Controlling Nasal Length with Extended Spreader Grafts: A Reliable Technique in Primary Rhinoplasty

Background The short nose characterized by a reduced distance from the nasal radix to the tip represents a challenging deformity in facial plastic surgery. Several techniques have been described in the literature for augmentation of the short nose, but none emphasizes the surgical maneuvers necessary to preserve nasal length in primary rhinoplasty and to avoid the development of a short nose deformity. Methods The authors present a surgical technique for avoiding postoperative nasal shortness and for controlling nasal length in primary rhinoplasty. The procedure uses caudally extended bilateral spreader grafts, which prevent postoperative cephalic tip rotation and allow control of tip rotation. The grafts should be placed electively in noses that have the potential to become overshortened postoperatively. By doing so, surgeons can perform any of the common surgical maneuvers in rhinoplasty without risking short nose deformity. The study included 41 patients with a mean age of 27 years who were considered to be at high risk for the development of postoperative short nose deformity. All the patients were treated with bilateral extended spreader grafts via the open nasal approach. The follow-up period was up to 12 months, with regular evaluation of the surgical outcome comprising measurement of the nasal length and photographic analysis. Results All the patients showed preserved nasal length after surgery with well-proportioned facial features. There was no evidence of postoperative nasal shortening after 12 months of follow-up evaluation. No operative or postoperative complications were detected. All the patients were pleased with the surgical results achieved. Conclusion The use of extended spreader grafts during primary rhinoplasty for selected patients represents a valuable tool for preventing short nose deformity after primary rhinoplasty.     

Correction of the cleft-lip nasal deformity

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

Asymmetric nasal tip

Asymmetry of the nasal tip is a common finding in the setting of primary and revision rhinoplasty. Careful preoperative analysis is imperative to identify the anatomic etiology of the asymmetry to develop an appropriate surgical plan to correct it. This article describes the anatomic structures that affect the overall appearance of the nasal tip, explains how intrinsic asymmetries can alter nasal tip appearance, and offers a menu of surgical techniques that can be used to correct these asymmetries.     

Management of the short nose deformity in revision rhinoplasty

The short nose is a complex and frustrating problem that many rhinoplasty surgeons face in their practice. It can be seen in both the hereditary nasal deformity patient as well as in patients having undergone previous nasal surgery. In the revision rhinoplasty patient, the short nose can result from overresection of the nasal dorsum, a deficiency in the middle third causing a saddle nose and tip retraction, and from structural loss in the lobule. Several methods have been described regarding the treatment of this deformity. They range from simple tip grafting in the mildly affected patient to complete nasal reconstruction in the patient with severe structural loss and skin retraction. We will discuss the anatomy of the short nose and describe our techniques for addressing specific deficiencies.     

The evolution of the combined use of endonasal and external columellar approaches to rhinoplasty

By individualizing rhinoplasty techniques for each patient and incorporating the lessons taught by the long-term follow-up on my rhinoplasty patients over the past 20 years, I have incorporated a blend of the endonasal and external columellar approaches to accomplish the desired aesthetic goals for my patients.By recognizing an increased need of spreader grafts for the midnasal vault, the placement of alar strut grafts to support the lateral crus, the use of alar spanning grafts and more suture grafts in the lobule, and refinement grafts in the nasal lobule, I have increased the use of the external columellar approach to approximately 50% of my rhinoplasties, which involves a significant number of secondary rhinoplasties and primary cases with specific indications. By paying attention to detail and using camouflage cartilage grafting, revision rates in my practice have fallen from approximately 7% to 4%.     

Deprojection of the nasal tip in revision rhinoplasty

Overprojection in revision rhinoplasty can be the result of underaddressed anatomic variations, iatrogenic causes including overresection of the nasal dorsum, or the healing process. Management of nasal tip overprojection in revision rhinoplasty can be very difficult, and the revision rhinoplasty surgeon must have a multitude of techniques available to treat the various causes of nasal tip overprojection. An algorithm is presented to properly approach and treat nasal tip overprojection.     

Median horizontal split tip

One of the most difficult problems encountered in rhinoplasty is lack of nasal tip projection. An innovative technique is described that utilizes the removal of a median horizontal strip of lower lateral cartilage to enhance projection, while maintaining a natural highlight and tip support without the use of grafts. The indications are limited to noses that have a widened dome requiring removal of a central strip, and tip rotation. Alternate techniques are discussed; cases and results are discussed.     

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

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

Suture contouring of the nasal tip

Scoring, morselizing, and resecting the alar cartilages in an attempt to modify the position and shape of the nasal tip may lead to postoperative distortions of the lobule. Contour grafts have the disadvantage of asymmetries, visible irregularities, and absorption. For these reasons, surgeons have adopted suture techniques as the primary method of recontouring the alar cartilages. My philosophy in dealing with mild to moderate tip deformities consists of the following principles: (1) limited or no resection of cartilages; (2) no scoring or morselization of alar cartilages, which produces irreversible change and unpredictable results; (3) use of support grafts in the form of columellar struts and lateral crural battens to supplement structure and correct intrinsic alar cartilage weaknesses; (4) reliance primarily on the use of sutures to recontour and position the tip; and (5) limited use of contour grafts for situations that cannot be corrected with sutures and support grafts. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2000;2:34-42     

Mini-forum: rhinoplasty by external approach. External or endonasal approach for rhinoplasty?]

There appears to be a renewed interests in the external approach to rhinoplasty, first described 60 years ago, despite the external columellar incision, due to the excellent exposure of the cartilaginous structures provided by this approach. Progress has been made in rhinoplasty. Cartilage grafts are much more widely used than in the past and surgeons try to reconstruct a normal anatomy of the skeleton, which has become easier with this approach. However, the closed approach has demonstrated its efficacy for a long time and allows correction of a large range of deformities. The open rhinoplasty should not be the standard procedure and its indications should only be based on limitations of the closed approach. The external procedure is particularly indicated in some difficult cases of nasal tip surgery and secondary rhinoplasty.     

Effect of Nasal Tip Surgery on Asian Noses Using the Transdomal Suture Technique

The past two decades have ushered in a new era of nasal tip surgery. The new philosophy focuses on preserving and reorienting nasal tip structures. Modern suture techniques can give predictable results because of more precise suture placement. Only a few reports, however, have objectively evaluated the suture techniques for Asians. Accordingly, the authors aimed to assess the efficacy of the tip suture technique through projection and rotation analysis. We focused on transdomal sutures because they involve one of the most popular suture techniques. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of 85 patients who underwent rhinoplasty at Inha University Hospital between June 2002 and June 2004 were analyzed. The patients were categorized into four groups according to the techniques used. Tip projection was measured by the modified Heuzinger’s method and tip rotation by the nasolabial angle. The pre- and postoperative indexes were compared within each group and among the four groups. Paired and unpaired t tests were used for statistical analysis. When the pre- and postoperative indexes were compared within each group, only the combined technique (transdomal suture with onlay graft) showed significant tip projection improvement. All tip surgeries resulted in insignificant tip rotation increase. Comparison among the four groups showed no significant difference based on the type of tip surgery performed. The suture technique has many advantages, although it has some limitations with Asian noses, especially if used alone. Therefore, we recommend using the suture technique in combination with other tip surgical procedures, such as onlay grafts, to achieve significant tip projection.     

The contoured auricular projection graft for nasal tip projection

In all rhinoplasty surgery, the universal need exists to increase, decrease, or preserve existing tip projection. When proper tip projection is lacking, a variety of techniques are useful for improving projection. We describe a valuable technique for tip projection, particularly useful and indicated in the Asian rhinoplasty, African American rhinoplasty, and in certain revision rhinoplasties. In the past 15 years, the senior author (M.E.T.) has used the contoured auricular projection graft in selected patients for achieving satisfactory tip projection in patients with blunted tips. The aesthetic outcomes have been predictable, pleasing, and reliable for the long term. Precision pocket preparation for auricular conchal cartilage graft placement is key to symmetry and projection of the final outcome. The results yielded a rounded nasal tip that may be more natural-appearing in Asians, African Americans, and selected patients with revision rhinoplasty. The contoured auricular projection graft provides a highly useful graft for the nasal tip.     

Miniforum: rhinoplasty by external approach. Technical aspects of rhinoplasty by external approach]

The authors present the principle techniques of external transcolumellar rhinoplasty and stress the excellent exposure it provides, allowing effective treatment under direct vision of the anatomical structures of the nose tip, nasal spine and septum. Based on a series of 186 operated cases with a follow-up of between one and more than six years, the advantages and indications of this technique are briefly defined. The best indications are difficult nose tips, whether rhinoplasty is primary or, more particularly, when it is secondary.     

The use of preserved autogenous septal cartilage in "touch-up" rhinoplasty

The management of minor contour irregularities after primary aesthetic rhinoplasty often requires correction of soft tissue defects with autogenous cartilage, allograft materials, xenograft matrix, or alloplasts. Inasmuch as the use of native cartilage requires an additional procedure (and potential donor site morbidity) and alloplast insertion raises the specter of extrusion or cicatrical deformity, the use of preserved autogenous cartilage is an attractive alternative, particularly for minor revision surgery. This study describes the experience and technique of the senior author (P.F.G.) with the use of isopropyl alcohol-preserved autogenous nasal cartilage during revision rhinoplasty in which only minor contour correction is required. When grafts are needed for revision surgery, they are inserted via small intranasal stab incisions into minor irregularities of the tip, alae, and dorsum. This technique eliminates the need for additional surgery to obtain graft material, reduces costs and risks associated with alloplasts, and is particularly useful for minor revision rhinoplasty. Office-based techniques for preserving cartilage are reviewed.     

Functional support of the nasal tip

Surgery of the nasal tip is among the most challenging aspects of rhinoplasty. Abnormalities of the nasal tip, whether primary or iatrogenic, have both functional and aesthetic consequences. This review focuses on the functional support of the nasal tip, surgical techniques commonly used to improve nasal tip support and function, and the effects of these techniques on the appearance of the nose.     

Nasal Tip Plasty Using Various Techniques in Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures in Korea today. However, simple augmentation rhinoplasty results often failed to satisfy the high expectations of patients. As a result, many procedures have been developed to improve the appearance of the nasal tip and nasal projection. However, the characteristics of Korean nasal tips including the bulbous appearance (attributable to the thickness of the skin), flared nostrils, and restriction of the nasal tip attributable to an underdeveloped medical crus of the alar cartilage and a short columella have made such procedures difficult. Currently, most plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty simultaneously with various nasal tip plasty techniques to improve the surgical results. An important part of an aesthetically pleasing result is to ensure an adequate nasal tip positioned slightly higher than the proper dorsum, with the two tip defining points in close proximity to each other, giving the nose a triangular shape from the caudal view. From June 2002 to November 2003, the authors performed rhinoplasty with simultaneous nasal tip plasty using various techniques according to the tip status of 55 patients (25 deviated noses, 9 broad noses, 15 low noses, and 6 secondary cleft lip and nose deformities). The surgery included realignment of alar cartilage by resection and suture, fibroareolar and subcutaneous tissue resection, tip graft, and columellar strut. The postoperative results over an average period of 10 months were entirely satisfactory. There were no patient complaints, nor complications resulting from the procedures. Good nasal tip projection, natural columellar appearance, and improvement of the nasolabial angle were achieved for most patients. In conclusion, rhinoplasty with simultaneous nasal tip plasty, achieved by a variety of techniques according to patients tip status, is an effective method for improving the appearance of the nose and satisfying the desires of the patients.     

Treatment of nasal obstruction from nasal valve collapse with alar batten grafts

Nasal obstruction may require treatment with rhinoplasty techniques. One cause of nasal obstruction is known as nasal valve collapse. This refers to narrowness and weakness at the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway. There are a number of surgical approaches available to treat nasal valve collapse. Selection of the appropriate surgical intervention depends on proper identification of the anatomic cause of the collapse. Alar batten grafts are especially useful for addressing nasal valve collapse caused by a weak nasal sidewall. In this report, we review the senior author's experience with the use of alar batten grafts for nasal valve collapse. Twenty-one patients had septoplasty with placement of alar batten grafts; all patients noted improvement in their nasal breathing. Seven patients underwent ear cartilage harvest with alar batten grafts, and five of them noted improvement, one noted partial improvement, one noted no improvement. Six patients underwent revision septorhinoplasty with alar batten grafting, and ten patients underwent revision septorhinoplasty with ear cartilage harvest and alar batten grafting. These patients all reported improvement in their nasal breathing postoperatively. Six patients underwent revision rhinoplasty (no septoplasty) with ear cartilage and battens. These patients hold special interest because no other intranasal procedures were performed that affected nasal breathing. All six of these patients reported significant improvement of their nasal breathing and all patients were satisfied with their postsurgical cosmetic appearance. The nasal valve area is considered to be the location of the least cross-sectional area in the nose. When narrowing of the nasal valve is a result of collapse of the nasal sidewall, alar batten grafts are a useful technique to address the patient's nasal obstruction.