Elongating Asian nose with autologous septal cartilage

Abstract

Objective To employ autologous septal cartilage grafting as a new method of elongating the nose and adjusting the nasolabial angle in order to correct the deformities of short nose and bulbous tip.Methods A set of techniques,including,yet not limited to,releasing and sculpturing of the alar cartilages,harvesting of septal cartilages and carving them into L shape and cap-like shape for transplant,moulding the soft tissue envelop with buried through and through sutures etc.were used to lengthen the nose and modify the tip.Results From 2004 to now,the new technique had been applied to 345 patients with short nose and bulbous tip.Follow-up ranged from 6- 48 months,satisfactory outcomes were obtained.Conclusions The new technique adopted by the author in which autologous septal cartilages are settled to the anterior angle of the nasal septum and between the domes of alar cartilages has been proved to be a viable and reliable way to lengthen the nose.Further advantages of this technique include the easiness of harvesting grafts,minimal injury,rare complications of infection and rejection etc. Key words: Short nose; Nasal elongation; Autologous septal cartilage graft; Comprehensive rhinoplasty