Correction of Major Saddle Nose Deformities with Nasomaxillary Depression Using an Intraoral and External Open Rhinoplasty Approach

Nasomaxillary depression, which may be seen with major saddle nose deformities, especially as a sequel to childhood nasal trauma, generally is overlooked during management of the saddle nose. To handle both the saddle nose deformity and nasomaxillary depression, the authors used a one-stage intraoral and external open rhinoplasty approach for 12 patients. Lateral nasal osteotomies and correction of midface retrusion with crescent-shaped autogenous rib cartilage grafts were performed through two bilateral intraoral gingivobuccal incisions. The external open rhinoplasty approach was used for the correction of the saddle nose deformities. The mean follow-up period after the surgery was 2 years (range, 1–3.5 years). The correction of nasal tip depression resulting from midface retrusion was evaluated by lateral cephalometric radiographs. The mean movement of the nasal tip anteriorly in the sagittal plane 1 year after the operation was 5.5 mm (range, 4–7 mm). The functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory for all the patients. As the findings show, the intraoral part of the approach provides a route for the placement of cartilage grafts to correct the depressed nasal tip, augment the paranasal area, and provide support to the lateral alar bases and the controlled low-to-low lateral osteotomies. The external part of the approach provides correction of the saddle nose deformity.     

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.     

开放式唇裂继发鼻畸形整形术

目的：探讨单侧唇裂继发鼻畸形的手术治疗。方法：应用跨鼻小柱的鼻翼软骨下缘切口开放式鼻整形进行唇裂继发鼻畸形矫正,鼻小柱侧缘切口继续向下延伸至鼻小柱基底,将鼻小柱基部皮肤向下翻开,充分松解和暴露鼻翼软骨,矫正中隔畸形,将鼻翼软骨向前上内侧复位,与健侧鼻翼软骨、鼻背侧软骨缝合固定,必要时进行切取鼻中隔软骨移植以抬高鼻尖以及加强鼻穹窿。结果：应用本方法治疗单侧唇裂继发鼻畸形47例,单纯进行鼻畸形矫正者11例,同时行唇畸形整形者36例,效果满意,其中有32例进行了6～24个月的随访,平均随访时间为11个月,鼻外形良好。结论：应用开放式鼻整形技术进行唇裂继发鼻畸形矫正,可在直视下充分松解并显露鼻翼软骨,准确复位及缝合固定,术后效果稳定,切口无明显瘢痕。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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     

Secondary rhinoplasty in nasal deformity associated with the unilateral cleft lip

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. The sliding-flap cheilorhinoplasty effectively corrects these deformities using a laterally based chondrocutaneous flap. We modified this technique by using an open rhinoplasty approach with the laterally based chondrocutaneous sliding flap. Columellar struts and shield grafts were some of the techniques combined with this approach to produce optimal results. In a total of 7 patients, we performed both the original sliding-flap cheilorhinoplasty and the modified open rhinoplasty, which are described and discussed herein. The laterally based sliding-flap cheilorhinoplasty is an effective technique for correcting both the secondary nasal deformity and the lip scar associated with the unilateral cleft lip.     

Simultaneous Open Rhinoplasty and Alar Base Excision for Secondary Cases

Background: Simultaneous open rhinoplasty and alar base excision are a very safe procedure for protecting the vascular supply of the nasal dip and the columellar skin in primary cases when surgical dissection is performed below the musculoaponeurotic layer of the nose. Major arteries of the external nose lie above the musculoaponeurotic layer. However, secondary cases may pose increased risks to the blood supply of the nasal tip and columella skin because of the decreased vascular supply and increased scar tissue from the previous rhinoplasty. We studied our secondary cases of simultaneous open rhinoplasty and alar base excision, to assess the real risk for necrosis of the nasal tip and columellar skin.Methods: A total of 12 secondary patients (6 men and 6 women) underwent simultaneous open rhinoplasty and alar base excision in the past 3 years. Their average age was 27 years (range, 21–35 years). The average follow-up period was 15 months (range, 1–35 moths). A modified grading system, originally described by Bafaqeeh and Al-Qattan, was used for assessment of the blood supply in the nasal tip and the columellar skin.Results: Satisfactory results were obtained for our patients, with the exception of one case. Grade 3 vascular compromise to the nasal tip and the columella was observed in one case, but the patient healed well with wound care treatment.Conclusion: Simultaneous alar base excision and open rhinoplasty can be performed safely in secondary cases. However some surgical maneuvers such as subcutaneous pocket preparation for the tip graft in closed rhinoplasty and subdermal defatting in the first rhinoplasty as well as previous scarring on the nasal lobule can disrupt the vascular supply of the nasal tip and columella skin. Under these conditions, alar base excision should be deferred and then performed as an isolated excision procedure.     

Revision of the overresected nasal tip complex

Tip deformities resulting from previous nasal surgery range from mild to profound. For the mild deformity, morbidity is low and successful correction is usually achieved with a modest and targeted surgical adjustment. However, for the profound deformity, overt cosmetic deformities and corresponding functional impairment are the byproducts of severe derangements in skeletal architecture. Hence, for the severely damaged nasal tip, a complex surgical revision in which the decimated nasal tip framework is reconstructed with autologous cartilage grafts is essential. However, rebuilding the decimated nasal tip is a challenging and risky procedure that is best left to the seasoned rhinoplasty specialist. Careful assessment of the previously operated tissues, combined with an accurate cosmetic analysis, must be juxtaposed with the patient's cosmetic desires to derive an individualized and effective treatment plan. Atraumatic soft tissue technique, combined with a strategic yet balanced and judicious application of graft material, often culminate in satisfactory surgical outcomes. Proper assessment, technical skill, and sound clinical judgment are all critical ingredients in successful restoration of the surgically compromise nasal tip.     

Correction of cleft lip nasal deformity in Orientals using a refined reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty.

A total of 45 patients with cleft lip nasal deformities were operated on between September 1997 and December 1999. We reviewed 35 of them. Out of these, 31 patients had unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities and four patients had bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. The age range of the patients was from 3 years to 56 years. A reverse-U incision with V-Y plasty was used in 20 patients with mild to moderate unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. An open rhinoplasty incision combined with the reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty was used in 11 patients with severe unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. A bilateral reverse-U incision and a trans-columellar incision were used in the four patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformities. After advancement of the mucochondrial flap, alar transfixion sutures were used to ensure firm contact between the nasal skin and the redraped reverse-U flap. A composite graft for columellar lengthening was used in six cases of severe unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity and the four cases of bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Ancillary procedures included correction of a lateral displacement of the alar base, lip scar revision, a cartilage graft for tip augmentation, iliac bone grafting for correction of hypoplasia of the maxilla or for an alveolar cleft and corrective rhinoplasty. A self-made nasal retainer was applied for 6 months in all patients to maintain the corrected contour of the nostril. The follow-up period ranged from 11 months to 26 months, with an average of 18 months. The final results were evaluated based on the degree of symmetry of the nostrils, the redraping of the alar-columellar web and the exposure of the nostrils. Good results were obtained in 29 patients where alar-columellar web deformities were either absent or minimal and a satisfactory symmetry of the nostrils was achieved. Four patients had fair results and two patients had poor results. In conclusion, we suggest that the reverse-U incision with V-Y plasty is a useful method for achieving symmetry of the nostrils in cleft lip nasal deformities in Orientals. In addition, this technique provides ample advancement and repositioning of the mucochondrial flap and simultaneous correction of the nasal vestibular web.     

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.     

Geschlossene Rhinoplastik

Among other techniques, both the open and closed approaches are available in the field of rhinoplasty. The rhinoplasty is an efficient technique that can be used with the whole range of anatomical nose variations. It allows a more accurate intra-operative evaluation, a shorter surgical time, and a faster recovery than the open approach. The technical strategy presented here includes the following: step-by-step gentle lowering of the dorsum by a rasp and not by resection, tip refining by adequate resection of the cephalic alar cartilages, the use of the tongue-in-groove technique and septal extension graft to achieve an accurate and long-lasting tip projection, and the routine insertion of spreader grafts. Pleasant aesthetic results are achieved using this 5-step process even in very difficult cases. The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under “Supplement”).     

耳软骨在二次隆鼻术及鼻尖成形术中的应用

目的：探索二次隆鼻术及鼻尖成形术的方法。方法：采用鼻小柱“飞鸟”形切口加鼻翼软骨缘切口,切开分离皮肤、皮下组织,显露假体并取出,分离两侧鼻翼软骨及侧鼻软骨等,将取下的耳软骨缝合固定于新雕刻假体的顶部及短壁上,插入鼻背固定,缝合双侧穹窿部鼻翼软骨,缝合切口。结果：自2010年6月～2013年6月对46例不满意隆鼻术行二次隆鼻及鼻尖成形术,获得满意的手术效果。术后鼻尖形态自然、鼻长度延长、高度增加、歪鼻也得到矫正等。结论：用自体耳软骨及硅胶假体行二次隆鼻术及鼻尖整形术,能解决鼻尖不良形态,矫正鼻偏斜、鼻孔外露、增加鼻长度,获得鼻部整体形态自然协调的效果,是一种理想的手术方法。     

Open rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty provides visualization, which for many is essential for the best sculpturing. The indications for its use include every primary and secondary rhinoplasty candidate unless tip grafts are going to be under tension or if the deformity is minor. The technique of opening the nose has been described. Emphasis is placed on (1) suturing the medial crura together, (2) suturing the medial crura to the septum, (3) resecting a portion of the lateral crus, and (4) leaving as much cartilage in the supratip and cephalic parts of the lateral crus as possible. The result is (1) greater tip projection with fewer tip grafts, (2) improved correction of tip convexity, (3) fewer supratip deformities, and (4) fewer Weir excisions. The columella scar is usually inconspicuous and has not been a significant problem in any case.     

Reconstruction of the major saddle nose deformity using composite allo-implants

The major saddle nose deformity leaves a patient with an obvious aesthetic deficit as well as an equally disturbing functional handicap. Reconstructing the collapsed dorsum and tip and simultaneously restoring nasal function present a formidable challenge which has elicited a wide variety of solutions ranging from the use of a toothbrush handle to split calvarial grafting. As Murakami et al pointed out, the "variability exists to a large extent, because the saddle nose deformity is not a single entity but rather a spectrum of abnormalities." Attempts to categorize saddle nose deformities are useful; however, they often lack the simple impact and clarity of the pre-operative photograph. Moreover, the categorizations have not led to a uniform approach to this complicated problem. Nevertheless, Tardy's classification of minimal, moderate, and major saddle nose deformities provides a helpful framework for discussion of reconstructive options. Minimal deformities demonstrate a supratip depression of 1 to 2 mm and are easily corrected with cartilage or fascial overlays. Moderate saddle nose deformities are characterized by a significant loss of dorsal height as well as columellar retraction and broadening of the bony pyramid. A major deformity demonstrates "all of the stigmata of the moderately saddled nose, only to a more marked degree." In Tardy's opinion, an open approach may be warranted in these cases. We offer one solution to the major saddle nose deformity using a composite allo-implant of porous high-density polyethylene (PHDPE) (Medpor surgical implants, Porex Surgical, Inc., College Park, GA) and purified acellular human dermal graft (Alloderm, Life Cell Corp., TX.). While we readily admit that autogenous tissue is the preferred grafting material, we have encountered patients in whom this is not an option. Major saddle nose deformities typically require more augmentation than stacked septal or auricular cartilage can provide. Additionally, in patients seeking revision rhinoplasty, sufficient donor septal or auricular cartilage is often lacking. Resorption of irradiated cadaveric rib grafts has led us away from this material. Split calvarial bone grafts are our next recommendation for these patients; however, many patients refuse this option. In these patients we have turned to a composite allo-implant of PHDPE and acellular human dermal graft for reconstruction of the collapsed dorsum and tip.     

开放式手术矫正陈旧性外伤性歪鼻畸形

目的总结治疗外伤性歪鼻畸形的经验，掌握正确的歪鼻矫正技术，提高临床治疗效果。方法1996年12月至2004年2月，采用开放式手术，完全显露歪曲的结构，松解外在及内在牵拉力量，复位鼻骨、矫直鼻中隔使其解剖复位，重塑鼻支架。结果本组患者36例，术后随访4个月至5年，优31例，良5例。鼻畸形获得满意的矫正，鼻外形恢复良好。结论外伤性歪鼻畸形多因伤后早期未获得及时有效地处理所致，经开放式手术复位鼻骨、矫直鼻中隔及鼻部整形术，消除引起畸形的原因，可取得较满意的效果。     

Management of the severe bulbous nasal tip using porous polyethylene alloimplants

Reliable outcomes in correction of the severely bulbous nasal tip remain elusive. Reduction and binding of the tip cartilages result in a partial external nasal valve collapse. If a concurrent dorsal hump reduction is accomplished and osteotomies are completed to close the open roof deformity, then a severe constriction of the external valve may result. This is best avoided by resection of the residual lower lateral cartilages and substitution with external valve batten implants. The tripod of nasal tip supports is then rigidly reconstituted. When autogenous graft materials are considered inadequate or undesirable, the surgeon may safely use porous polyethylene alloimplants to support the external nasal valve. A dependable surgical technique based on extensive experience with these materials is outlined.     

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.     

自体耳软骨联合膨体聚四氟乙烯矫正短鼻畸形

目的：介绍一种矫正先天性短鼻畸形的手术方法一自体耳软骨联合膨体聚四氟乙烯（expanded polytetrafluethlene,ePTFE）,对先天性短鼻畸形患者行鼻部延长及鼻尖成形术。方法：采用闭合式切口,钝性分离鼻背筋膜后间隙至合适范围,充分松解鼻翼软骨处连接韧带,根据患者自身要求雕好鼻假体,耳屏软骨固定于假体小柱端成“L”形,耳甲腔软骨置于鼻尖处,缝合固定双侧鼻翼软骨肉侧角于“L”形植入体短臂上。结论：对145例患者随访1～2年,鼻延长长度为5～11mm,平均为9mm,伴有鼻尖低平者,鼻尖突出度增加3～7mm,平均5mm,均获得满意效果。结论：采用自体耳甲腔软骨及耳屏软骨联合ePTFE可以有效延长鼻长度,疗效可靠,可作为矫正先天性短鼻畸形的方法之一。