Caudal Septal Extension Graft Research Articles

Functional evaluation of Septal L-strut extension graft in East Asians

BackgroundThe septal L-strut extension graft (SLEG) consists of anterior extended spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft. SLEG is used to increase the anterocaudal projection from a low-profile nose by creating the de-novo septum. This retrospective study verified the effectiveness of SLEG in improving the nasal function in East Asians. MaterialsMedical records of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SLEG were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features showed under-projected lower two-thirds of the nose with septal deviation, saddle nose, and short nose. We analyzed the post-operative changes in the NOSE score and variables of nasal geometry measured using acoustic rhinometry through long-term follow-up. ResultsPatients were divided into two groups, those who underwent SLEG with turbinoplasty (Group A) and SLEG alone (group B). The NOSE scores decreased significantly in groups A and B, and the improvement was statistically more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry showed an increase in nasal cavity volume (VOL1) on the deviated side in Group A, and an increase in minimal cross-sectional area 1 (MCA1) on the deviated side in Group B (p < 0.05). The non-deviated side did not show significant reduction in MCA1 and VOL1 after SLEG with or without turbinoplasty. Thus, SLEG, by itself, improved airway function in East Asians. ConclusionsSLEG has proven to be valuable in improving nasal function.

Boomerang Modification of the Septal Extension Graft: Graft Design and Functional Outcomes.

Background: A "boomerang" graft is an end-to-end caudal septal extension graft (SEG) that conforms to the geometry of the anterior septal angle, and avoids septal overlap, unlike a side-to-side SEG. Objective: To compare breathing improvements in rhinoplasty patients receiving boomerang SEGs and patients receiving side-to-side SEGs. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing rhinoplasty with either end-to-end boomerang SEG or a side-to-side SEG. Functional outcomes were assessed through the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey. Results: The boomerang SEG cohort had a mean age of 34 years and were 68% female compared with 38 years and 67% female in the side-to-side SEG cohort (p > 0.05). The cohorts did not differ in the proportion of the lateral crural tensioning, spreader graft placement, or history of rhinoplasty. The boomerang cohort demonstrated a 67% reduction in NOSE scores compared with a 70% reduction among the side-to-side SEG cohort (p = 0.14). Men undergoing boomerang graft placement reported significantly less postoperative functional improvement than men undergoing placement of a side-to-side SEG (62% vs. 77%, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Use of a boomerang graft is not likely to negatively affect rhinoplasty functional outcomes when compared with a side-to-side SEG.

Caudal septal extension grafts: conchal cartilage or PDS foil-empowered nasal cartilage.

We reviewed the potential benefits of conchal cartilage or Polydioxanone (PDS) foil-empowered nasal cartilage as caudal septal extension grafts (CSEGs). Research methods included searching online databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Proquest Central at Kırıkkale University. Use terms like "caudal septal extension grafts," "septal extension grafts," "conchal cartilage," and "PDS foil-empowered nasal cartilage" to find related articles. Due to the anchoring of the lower alar cartilage to the nasal septum, the results of a CSEG rhinoplasty are relatively stable over the long term. They can be adjusted independently by the rhinoplasty surgeon. Over time, the skin and soft tissue envelope contract and a downward force for these grafts develops. It allows for independent regulation of projection and rotation, unlike conventional columellar strut procedures and lateral crural steal techniques. Inadequate cartilage may need conchal or costal cartilage, depending on the application and the need for projection and counter rotation. Costal cartilage transplant outperformed conchal cartilage graft in a rabbit model regarding tip projection and angle relapse rate. Three-patient case series show that PDS foil-enhanced nasal cartilage led to septal cartilage loss. However, other research draws a different result, finding that PDS foil-enhanced nasal cartilage prevented growth inhibition in the developing nasal septum following septoplasty, and reduced late problems in animals. The caudal septal extension grafts should prioritize septum cartilage if it is readily available, of adequate size, and with sufficient strength. If this is not possible, PDS foil-enhanced nasal cartilage fragments or conchal cartilage could be used as a backup. PDS foil will maintain the integrity and stability of the implanted cartilage. Due to its strength, stability, and convenient location, conchal cartilage will serve as the second donor site.

Long-Term Control of Nasal Tip Position: Quantitative Assessment of Caudal Septal Extension Graft.

Control of nasal tip position is critical to final rhinoplasty outcomes. Two frequent methods of exerting tip control are columellar strut and caudal septal extension graft (SEG). Past work has demonstrated that SEG are better able to preserve tip position. However, there is no quantitative data describing long-term projection and rotation. The purpose of this study was to analyze long-term maintenance of tip projection and rotation following SEG. A retrospective study of adult patients undergoing open rhinoplasty was conducted. Three-dimensional photogrammetric evaluation of nasal tip position was performed. Anthropometric points were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. Outcome variables were tip projection, tip rotation, and nasal length. Twenty patients were included with an average follow-up time of 3.3 years (2.0 - 6.6 years). From postoperative week 1 to 6, there was a statistically significant decrease in rotation (-4.3%, p<0.01). There were no statistically significant decreases in projection, rotation, or nasal length from 6 weeks postoperative to 2 years postoperative, or from 6 weeks postoperative to final follow-up (2.0 - 6.6 years). Nasal tip projection and rotation appear to decrease from the immediate postoperative position, likely due to resolving edema. In this study, patients that underwent open rhinoplasty with SEG experienced modest loss of projection and rotation until 6 weeks postoperative, but projection and rotation were maintained from 6 weeks postoperative to 2 years and beyond. This study provides evidence that SEG maintains long-term changes in tip projection and rotation. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Commentary on: "Septal Advancement Flap" by Ferriera: Caudal Septal Extension Graft, Columellar Strut, or the New Septal Advancement Flap.

The septal advancement flap is introduced as a new technique to support the nasal base in preservation rhinoplasty. The SAF is a septal flap composed of the caudal septum in continuity with the high strip incision used in dorsal preservation. The technique is supported with a strut of cartilage between the medial crura. The SAF has been evaluated using mathematical models and a finite element mesh to verify the stability of the graft. The SAF is compared with the caudal septal extension graft and columellar strut and discussed in the context of all three options for stabilizing the base of the nose in rhinoplasty. The pros and cons of each as well as details about refinements of the caudal septal extension graft are discussed.

Single Stage Nasal Reconstruction for Solitary Neurofibroma Isolated in the Columella.

Neurofibromas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that can originate from several elements of peripheral nerves, including axons, Schwann cells, endoneurial fibroblasts, and perineurial cells. The occurrence of a solitary neurofibroma in the external nose, especially that isolated in the nasal columella, is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 4 cases of solitary neurofibromas in the external nose have been reported in the English literature: on the nasal dorsum, tip, and pyriform aperture, all originating from the trigeminal nerve. We report the first case of a solitary neurofibroma isolated in the nasal columella, which we found in an otherwise healthy 42-year-old man. We completely resected this tumor with a negative resection margin and performed reconstruction with a bilateral spreader graft and caudal septal extension graft using autologous septal cartilage. The postoperative course was successful in both cosmetic and functional results, with no sensory changes at the 1-year follow-up. Surgical treatment for this lesion was challenging due to the cosmetically obvious location and high rate of recurrence. A review of the literature highlights the clinical and histological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and management of solitary neurofibroma of the external nose.

A reinforced framework construction technique using unilateral auricular cartilage in Asian rhinoplasty to prevent long-term nasal tip drooping

Enhancing nasal tip projection is an important objective in Asian rhinoplasty. Nasal tip enhancement using auricular cartilage is simple and suitable for Asian patients. However, the long-term retraction problem of the auricular framework still needs to be solved for optimal results. The authors propose a modified auricular cartilage framework construction technique that provides stronger long-term support to the nasal tip and columellar base. Eighty-one patients underwent augmentation rhinoplasty between January 2016 and December 2019. The cymba and cavum conchae were harvested from one ear in all cases. The cymba concha was carved and folded to form a caudal septal extension graft (CSEG). The cavum concha was divided into an integrated cap/shield graft and a columella base graft. The columella base graft was diced into particles in size of 1mm3, and inserted into the gap between CSEG, anterior nasal spine, and the medial crus to strengthen the foundation. The nasal profile was analyzed before the operation and at least 12 months after the operation. The patient satisfaction score was assessed 12 months after surgery. Patients were followed up for 12-36 months. The nasal tip projection from both the lateral and basal views was significantly improved. The columella-labial angle was increased from 83.15° (6.20°) to 96.50° (7.40°) (p<0.05). The nostril tip proportion increased from 0.83 (0.14) to 1.17(0.16) (p<0.01). A stable long-term outcome was achieved. With the modified framework construction technique, long-term nasal tip drooping can be prevented. This method can be a practical choice for Asian patients seeking augmentation rhinoplasty.

Structural Approach to Secondary Repair of the Unilateral Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity.

Management of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity is complex because of the underlying significant asymmetry of the lower lateral cartilages and soft tissues of the nasal base. Suturing and grafting techniques may leave the patient with residual asymmetries of the nasal tip and nostrils. Some of this residual asymmetry may be attributable in part to the anchoring effect of the vestibular skin attachments to the lower lateral cartilages. This article discusses the use of lateral crural release, repositioning, and support with lateral crural strut grafts to manage the nasal tip. The technique involves freeing the vestibular skin from the undersurface of the lateral crura and domes and placement of lateral crural strut grafts with or without amputation of the ipsilateral dome and lateral crura to allow precise resuturing to the caudal septal extension graft. This technique is coupled with the use of a caudal septal extension graft to stabilize the nasal base and provide a strong foundation for the repair. Treatment of the nasal base may require skeletal augmentation to aid in creating symmetry of the alar insertions. Costal cartilage is needed in most cases to provide adequate structural support. Nuances in technique are discussed to help maximize outcomes.

Long-term Control of Nasal Tip Position: Quantitative Assessment of Caudal Septal Extension Graft

Abstract Goals/Purpose Control of nasal tip position is critical in final rhinoplasty outcomes. Two frequent methods of exerting tip control are columellar strut and caudal septal extension grafts. Past work has demonstrated that septal extension grafts are better able to preserve tip rotation over time. However, there is no quantitative data describing long term projection and rotation with septal extension grafts, which is essential to the final aesthetic result. The purpose of this study was to analyze long term maintenance of tip projection and rotation following septal extension graft. Methods/Technique A retrospective cohort study of adult patients undergoing open rhinoplasty was conducted. Open rhinoplasty with three-dimensional data and use of septal extension graft were collated. Excluded were closed rhinoplasty, cleft rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty only, cases where deprojection or derotation was implemented, and cases less with than 2 years of follow up. All patients underwent osteotomies, tip projection, and tip rotation. Three-dimensional photogrammetric evaluation of nasal tip position was performed preoperatively and postoperatively (Vectra; Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, N.J.). Anthropometric points were analyzed preoperatively, 1 week postoperative, 6 weeks postoperative, 2 years postoperative, and at final documented follow up. Outcome variables were tip projection, tip rotation, and nasal length. Nasal projection was measured from the piriform to pronasale, and nasal length was measured from radix to pronasale. Nasolabial angle was defined using three points (tip, subnasale, and Cupid’s bow). Results were compared statistically using dependent t-test. Results/Complications A total of 20 patients were included. Average follow up time was 3.3 ± 1.3 years (2.0 to 6.6 years). 15 patients underwent primary rhinoplasty and 5 underwent secondary rhinoplasty. Overall, 75 percent were female, with an average age of 25.5 years at the time of surgery. From 1 week to 6 weeks postoperative, there was a decrease in rotation (-4.3%, p&amp;lt;0.01) as well as an observed but not statistically significant decrease in projection (-1.5%) and nasal length (-0.9%). There was no statistically significant decrease in projection, rotation, or nasal length from 6 weeks postoperative to 2 years postoperatively, or from 6 weeks postoperatively to final follow up (2.0 to 6.6 years). Conclusion Nasal tip projection and rotation appear to decrease from the immediate postoperative position, likely due to resolving edema. In this study, patients that underwent open rhinoplasty with septal extension graft experienced modest loss of projection and rotation until 6 weeks postoperative, but maintained projection and rotation from 6 weeks postoperative to 2 years and beyond. This study provides evidence that septal extension graft maintains long term changes in tip projection and rotation.

Facial masculinization surgery

Facial masculinization surgery

Short Nose Lengthening in Primary and Revision Rhinoplasty in Asians.

Surgical techniques and graft materials are important factors for short nose lengthening in both primary and revision rhinoplasty in Asian patients. Other subunit of the nose need to be improved as well to achieve aesthetic perfection. A cohort of 98 patients who underwent primary and revision rhinoplasty for moderate to severe short nose deformity from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Nasal elongation was achieved via an open rhinoplasty approach using autologous costal cartilage exclusively for grafting. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by anthropometric measurement and satisfaction assessment from patients and physicians. The mean duration of follow-up was 10.6 months. In both primary and revision cases, nasal length relative to preoperative measurements increased significantly, while nasal tip projection did not differ significantly. Columellar-facial angle and nasofrontal angle decreased significantly in both groups. Both physicians and patients reported improvement in aesthetic outcomes. Aesthetic satisfaction was reported from both patients and physicians. Autologous costal cartilage is an ideal graft material that offers strong structural support. Caudal septal extension graft using autologous costal cartilage sandwiched by extended spreader grafts achieve satisfactory lengthening of the central compartment and also increase nasal tip projection and rotation.

Bony Cartilaginous Graft in Unilateral Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty.

Cleft rhinoplasty is a challenging form of nasal correction of both esthetic and functional deformities. The septal cartilage in many Asian patients are not sufficient and weak. Does a combination of the septal cartilage and the bony septum have both esthetic and functional benefits to secondary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty? Thirty patients with a unilateral cleft lip palate underwent open rhinoplasty from October 2018 to January 2021. After preserving a 10mm L-strut, the posterior cartilaginous and bony septum were harvested as an integrative unit. The osteocartilaginous graft was used as a caudal septal extension graft and an extended spreader graft. Correcting the asymmetry of the tip and tip projection followed. The intraoperative harvested composite graft was analyzed. Acoustic rhinometry and the 3-dimensional anthropometric measurements of the external nose were assessed before and after surgery. The osteocartilaginous unit was much larger than the cartilaginous part of this unit. The mean nasal tip height and the nasolabial angle increased significantly after surgery. The measurement of cross-sectional areas and volumes by acoustic rhinometry revealed that septorhinoplasty provided a significant increase in the function of both nasal cavities. This septal bony cartilaginous graft is effective for cleft lip nasal deformity when correcting the deviated septum, creating a supporting frame to correct the nasal tip asymmetry, improving function.

Preserving Nasal Tip Rotation and Projection in Open Septorhinoplasty.

Background: Open septorhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery procedure that requires extensive planning and knowledge to achieve predictable outcomes. Many patients want to keep their nasal tip characteristics, and the surgeon's task is to reliably meet this expectation and provide stable long-term results. Techniques used to reconstruct nasal tip support include the tongue-in-groove, caudal septal extension graft, and caudal septal replacement graft procedures.Methods: We assessed the 1-year reliability of tongue-in-groove, caudal septal extension graft, and caudal septal replacement graft procedures in maintaining nasal tip rotation and projection in open septorhinoplasty. We conducted a retrospective case series review of septorhinoplasty cases between 2015 and 2019 at the Medical University of South Carolina. Cases with intention to change nasal tip rotation or projection were excluded. Two blinded reviewers analyzed standardized preoperative and 1-year postoperative photographs.Results: Fifty-seven patients fit the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Mean preoperative and postoperative nasal tip rotations and projection ratios were similar (P=0.62, P=0.22, respectively). Twenty-six patients underwent a tongue-in-groove procedure, 24 had a caudal septal extension graft, and 7 had a caudal septal replacement graft with preoperative nasal tip rotations of 98.93°, 99.35°, and 96.89°, respectively (P=0.73). At 1 year, patients who received a tongue-in-groove procedure had a significant increase in nasal tip rotation to 101.24° (P=0.013), while patients who received a caudal septal extension graft had a significant decrease in nasal tip rotation to 97.25° (P=0.009). Patients who received a caudal septal replacement graft had no significant change in nasal tip rotation (P=0.117). The preoperative and postoperative projection ratios were not significantly different among the 3 techniques.Conclusion: Tongue-in-groove, caudal septal extension graft, and caudal septal replacement graft are reliable techniques for maintaining nasal tip projection in open septorhinoplasty. In our experience, when attempting to maintain preoperative nasal tip rotation, the tongue-in-groove technique resulted in a significant increase in tip rotation of 2.31°, while the caudal septal extension graft resulted in a significant decrease of 2.1° at 1 year postoperatively.

Rhinoplasty in the Older Adult.

Rhinoplasty in older adults requires unique consideration of the aging nose. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to rhinoplasty in the aging population, review the senior author's experience, and describe techniques aimed at addressing age-related features. It was hypothesized that consistent age-related nasal dysmorphology is described in the literature and standard rhinoplasty techniques may effectively address these changes. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that rhinoplasty is more commonly performed for posttraumatic and functional indications than for aesthetic reasons. A literature review including publications describing rhinoplasty in patients over 55 years old was conducted. Additionally, a retrospective review of the senior author's cases was performed. Pre- and postoperative photographs were used to compare anthropometric changes. Demographic factors, surgical indications, and operative details were collected. Nine articles met the study criteria. Manifestations of the aging nose included soft tissue atrophy, bony fragility and resorption, tip ptosis, internal and external valve collapse, and worsening dorsal hump. Twenty-seven patients were included in this institutional review. Primary indication for rhinoplasty was posttraumatic deformity in 17 (63%) patients and nasal obstructive symptoms in 10 (37%) patients. Tip refinement and ptosis were addressed through tip grafts (70%), columellar struts (26%), and caudal septal extension grafts (67%). Nasal obstruction was relieved through septoplasty (96%), turbinate ablation (85%), and spreader grafts (70%). This study presents a systematic review of rhinoplasty in the older adult as well as a retrospective review of the senior author's patients. Unique considerations specific to this population should be integrated into treatment planning.

A Novel Modification of Tongue in Groove Technique (Auto-Septal Projection Graft) in Rhinoplasty.

Derotation of the nasal tip with narrow nasolabial angle is a common nasal deformity that leads to a long nose appearance, named drooping nose. In these patients, there are various techniques described to fix droopy tip and to achieve a desirable nasal tip rotation such as caudal septal extension graft, extended columellar strut graft, tongue in groove, columellar strut graft, and tip rotation sutures. This study aimed to evaluate changes in nasal tip support after modified tongue-in-groove technique (auto-septal projection graft). Forty-two patients who underwent a primary open approach septorhinoplasty using the modified tongue-in-groove technique between June 2017 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative and preoperative photographs were analyzed, and nasolabial angle and the nasal tip projection ratio were recorded and compared before and average of 17.3 months after the surgery. Forty-two patients (33 female and 9 male) were included the study. The mean nasolabial angle was 85.7° preoperatively and 99.3° postoperatively. The nasal tip projection ratio was 0.60 preoperatively and 0.64 postoperatively. Both the tip rotation and the tip projection increased significantly after the modified tongue in groove (p<0.05). It seems that modified tongue-in-groove method (auto-septal projection graft) is an effective technique in maintaining tip projection and rotation in rhinoplasty and safe method to correct droopy nasal tip in selected cases. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Folded Cymba Concha: Is It Large and Stable Enough for Caudal Septal Extension Graft in Asian Rhinoplasty?

Septal extension grafting (SEG) is used for nasal tip projection and positioning. Often, insufficient quadrangular cartilage is available for grafting in Asians and in most secondary cases, the septum is already harvested. We utilized the folded cymba concha as an alternative for caudal SEG (CSEG) by modifying a tongue-in-groove technique. To evaluate the physical validity of the cymba concha for CSEG and compare its outcomes with those of septal quadrangular cartilage. The mean length and width of 311 harvested consecutive folded cymba conchae were measured from intraoperative photographs. Data from 220 patients with >12 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed for clinical outcomes. Clinical demography was determined based on the need for additional spreader grafts. For clinical reliability, anthropometric photographs of patients in whom folded cymba conchae were used were compared with those in whom quadrangular cartilage was used. Mean lengths and widths of the folded cymba conchae in men and women were 24.2 ± 3.9 and 22.4 ± 3.7mm, and 7.8 ± 1.9 and 7.2 ± 1.9mm, respectively. Using the folded cymba concha graft significantly increased nasal tip projection by 28.9% and columellar-labial angle by 9.7%, improving both aspects postoperatively. Anthropometric comparison revealed no significant differences between folded cymba conchae and septal cartilage in terms of nasal tip projection (p = 0.264) and postoperative columellar-labial angle (p = 0.182). Folded cymba conchal cartilage can be a primary option for CSEG in Asian septorhinoplasty cases or for individuals with insufficient septal cartilage remnants.

Nasal Tip Drop After Rhinoplasty Resulting from The Excessive Use of Masks: A New Complication in The Covid-19 Pandemic?

Postoperative dropping of the nasal tip after rhinoplasty is a known complication. Defining the position of the nasal tip begins with stabilizing the nasal base. To define the position of the nasal tip and stabilize the nasal base of the nose, the surgeon has three main options: tongue-in-groove maneuver, caudal septal extension graft, or columellar strut.

L-Strut Graft: A Very Versatile Graft in the Management of Crooked and Traumatic Noses.

Importance: Numerous techniques have been described on the correction of nasal septum in crooked nose or badly deviated septum. To our knowledge, no previous study has been published solely on the value of using an L-strut graft for straightening the nasal septum. Objective: To investigate the use of L-strut graft technique for septal reconstruction in patients with a crooked nose or badly deviated septum. Design: A retrospective study was performed in patients with crooked nose or badly deviated septum who underwent correction by using an L-strut graft from the 1st of January 2000 to 1st of May 2019 at a tertiary referral center and a private hospital by the senior author. Intervention: All patients with crooked noses or badly deviated septums who underwent L-strut graft repair were taken into the study group. Main Outcomes and Measures: Straightening the deviated septum was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were getting rid of crookedness: mean deviation angles and distances from the midline in perioperative/postoperative pictures in three main landmarks: rhinion, supratip, and tip; and resolution of presenting symptoms of nasal obstruction. Results: One hundred nineteen patients were included: 65 men and 54 women (mean age 30.7 years). Septorhinoplasty was performed in 71 and septoplasty in 48 cases. The material for L-strut graft was cartilaginous in 100, bony cartilaginous in 11, and bony in 8 patients. The pictures of 21 rhinoplasty patients (10 women and 11 men; mean age 33.48 years) were uploaded into Rhinobase 1.1 for measurements. There was a decrease in the mean and median values in all measurements from the midline between pre- and postoperative measurements. Conclusions: In selected cases of crooked and traumatic noses, the L-strut graft can be helpful to splint and correct the deviated L-strut framework and it can act as a caudal septal extension graft to support the tip.

Centering a Deviated Nose by Caudal Septal Extension Graft and Unilaterally Extended Spreader Grafts.

The deviated nose presents a tremendous challenge for rhinoplasty surgeons, especially the correction of the cartilaginous dorsum deviation. In this study, we introduce the surgical techniques of correcting a deviated cartilaginous vault by creating a new center of the lower third using a caudal septal extension graft combined with unilaterally extended spreader grafts. This retrospective observational study was conducted in a university-based tertiary medical center from December 2014 to January 2018. Thirty-two patients who underwent primary open rhinoplasty for correction of a deviated nose using this method participated in the study. Patient characteristics and surgical records were collected. Anthropometric measurements and analyses were performed based on preoperative and postoperative photographs. The aesthetic outcome consensus of three rhinoplasty surgeons was evaluated specifically for nasal dorsum deviation correction. Postoperative complications were reviewed from the medical records. Among the 32 patients, there were 18 males and 14 females. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 26.7 (8.76) years. Anthropometric measurements showed significant improvements in dorsal deviation angle (a 3.7° change towards midline, P < .001), nasal tip projection (increase of 6.96% measured by Goode's method, P < .001), and nostril shape (nostril axis inclination decrease of 11.7°, P < .001) after surgery. The nasolabial angle showed no significant change. Aesthetic outcomes were excellent in seven patients (21.9%), good in fourteen patients (43.7%), fair in eight patients (25.0%), and no change in three patients (9.4%). Minor postoperative complications (four patients) were observed during follow-up. Centering the cartilaginous vault using a caudal septal extension graft combined with unilaterally extended spreader grafts is a useful technical option in the correction of a deviated nose, and provides improvement in nasal tip projection and nostril shape.

Functional Outcomes, Quantitative Morphometry, and Aesthetic Analysis of Articulated Alar Rim Grafts in Septorhinoplasty.

The design, use, and indications for the articulated alar rim graft (AARG) and the functional and aesthetic improvements that can be achieved have not been fully characterized. To analyze the functional and aesthetic outcomes of AARG placement on nasal airway function, nasal base shape change, and appearance. A case series study of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with placement of AARG at University of California, Irvine Medical Center, from 2015 to 2018 was carried out. Surgical data recorded included stage of rhinoplasty (primary vs revision), use of spreader grafts, rim grafts (and dimensions), caudal septal extension graft (CSEG), lateral crural tensioning (LCT), and turbinate reductions. Preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Survey (NOSE) surveys were analyzed and correlated with AARG geometry, use of CSEG, and the LCT maneuver. Preoperative and postoperative alar base views were evaluated by fitting base shape to a parametric numerical model to categorize each to 1 of 6 shape categories. Blinded reviewers rated alar furrow severity and the alar ridge presence using a Likert scale for both preoperative and postoperative images to subjectively gauge aesthetic outcomes. Overall, 90 patients with both preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores who underwent septorhinoplasty and placement of an AARG were included. Of the 90 patients, 60 were women (mean age, 38.2 years). Patient NOSE scores (70.4 preoperatively to 25.1 postoperatively) significantly improved from preoperation to postoperation (P < .001), regardless of AARG size, CSEG, or LCT. Alar base shape parametric analysis showed preoperative to postoperative improvements were significant for anterior-to-posterior ratio mass distribution (95% CI, -0.16 to 0.02; P = .05) and vertical projection-to-horizontal base width ratio (95% CI, 0.01-0.32; P = .02) in flat noses and cloverleafing for narrow noses (95% CI, -0.05 to -0.01; P = .001); enhancement approached significance for reduction in lateral scalloping in cloverleaf noses (P = .06). Aesthetic analysis showed that there was a statistically significant improvement for the alar furrow (95% CI, -0.68 to -0.29 for rater 1; -0.54 to -0.27 for rater 2; and -0.59 to -0.27 for rater 3; P < .001) for all raters and for the alar ridge (95% CI, 0.16-0.48; P < .001) for 1 rater. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that AARG use is associated with statistically significant improvement in NOSE scores. Placement of AARGs may improve posterior mass ratios in flat noses and lateral cloverleafing in narrow noses as suggested by quantitative shape change parameter analysis. The placement of AARGs was associated with aesthetic and functional enhancement in the cloverleaf deformity, which is associated with a prominent alar furrow, and often external nasal valve collapse. Patient selection is key when placing AARGs. NA.