Precision rhinoplasty. Part I: The role of life-size photographs and soft-tissue cephalometric analysis

I describe a simple technique of full-scale life-size photography using marker/stickers and a ruler at the side of the face as an index for magnification. I also report a technique of soft-tissue cephalometric analysis that consists of some new proportion and some old angles and measurements. This technique will enable the plastic surgeon, even if not artistically inclined, to draw an aesthetically pleasing and very proportionate profile outline of the nose and measure the proportions of the front view on the majority of patients. The difference between the patient's nasal outline and the planned nasal definition is then measured and expressed in quarters of millimeters to give the surgeon a very precise numeric guide for surgery. This will help the plastic surgeon define the aesthetic goals very accurately and also might be helpful in detecting other facial disharmonies that might be influential in the outcome of the rhinoplasty. Using this technique of analysis, along with the prediction guidelines extrapolated from my study on soft-tissue response to surgical alteration, one can develop a fairly predictable approach to rhinoplasty.     

On rhinomanometry in rhinoplasty

Changes in nasal obstruction, nasal airway resistance, and postoperative nose appearance were evaluated in 92 rhinoplasty patients. Fifty-six patients had a deviation of their nose from the midline preoperatively. They were improved according to rhinomanometry whether the rhinoplasty was combined with a functional septoplasty or with a submucous resection. Among the other 36 patients who did not have a deviation of the nose from the midline, 23 had a rhinoplasty combined with a functional septoplasty and 13 had no surgery on the septum at all. Rhinomanometrically, only patients operated on with the combined operation were improved; the rest became worse, even in terms of nasal obstruction. Among 58 patients from both groups with preoperative nasal obstruction, there was agreement for 76 percent between the subjective and rhinomanometric changes. The advantages of giving the rhinomanometric results in a polar coordinate system are discussed.     

Importance of the nasal-to-cervical relationship to the profile in rhinoplasty surgery

There is general agreement that when discussing surgery with the prospective rhinoplasty patient, one may also include discussion of the chin because of the important interrelationship between these two regions. It is apparent that on the profile-lateral view, the four prominences-the forehead, nose, chin, and neck-balance and complement one another. The cervical region, the fourth dimension, was examined to estimate the aesthetic significance of the nasal-to-cervical relationship and to determine the implications to rhinoplasty surgery.Part I of the study was a survey to test the hypothesis that the cervical region affects the perceived impression of the nose. Four standard facial-profile black-and-white photographs were chosen to represent varying degrees of nasal dorsum hump and cervical ptosis problems. Using computer-altering software, only the cervical regions were altered to create a pair of photographs for each of the four profiles: one with a youthful-looking non-ptotic cervical region, the other with a ptotic aged-looking cervical region. Raters were asked to give their first-impression opinions of which nose subjectively appeared "better." Raters consistently (84 percent of the time) chose the nose on the faces with the less ptotic neck as being better. Therefore, a less ptotic neck improved the perceived appearance of the nose.Part II was a retrospective chart review of the rhinoplasty patients of a single surgeon by independent raters. To estimate the aesthetic significance of the nasal-to-cervical relationship, the proportion of patients undergoing rhinoplasty surgery who could have potentially benefited from a youth-restoring neck procedure was determined. Criteria originally described by Ellenbogen and Karlin for judging the results of youth-restoring neck procedures were used as relative indications for neck surgery. An average of 27.2 percent of the patients did not have visible criteria and therefore by definition had relative indications for neck-rejuvenating procedures when undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. As demonstrated in part I of the study, improving the neck could improve the perceived results of the rhinoplasty.Part III of the study validated the Ellenbogen and Karlin criteria. The present authors found that the original criteria were probably based on female patients, that male and older patients had more indications for surgery, and that there was significant interrater agreement with the youthful criteria.In summary, the authors established that a strong nasal-to-cervical relationship exists whereby the perceived appearance of the nose is affected by the neck. The significance of this relationship to rhinoplasty surgery was determined, and it was found that more than 27 percent of rhinoplasty patients could obtain better perceived nasal results with a concomitant neck-rejuvenating procedure. Consequently, discussing neck-rejuvenating procedures with the rhinoplasty patient is valuable.     

Treatment of alar cartilage malposition using the cartilage disc graft technique

Patients with a bifid, cephalically rotated, contour-deformed, bulky, overprojected, pinched-tip, alar-dislocated, and/or alar-tethered nose had primary and secondary rhinoplasties using complete lateral alar cartilage mobilization, modification, and repositioning and the cartilage disc tip-graft technique. This technique avoids the pitfalls of classic in situ subtraction rhinoplasty and provides a better way to correct the nasal shape without causing airway obstruction. This technique was performed in 30 patients in the past 6 years who had primary or secondary rhinoplasties, with satisfactory results.     

Temporoparietal free fascia grafts in rhinoplasty

The temporoparietal fascial graft provides adequate coverage, contour, and bulk on the cartilage dorsum of the nose, as well as an inconspicuous donor site. In my opinion, this technique not only prevents the occurrence of noticeable sharp edges of the cartilage graft, but also adds to the smooth contour of the reconstructed nasal dorsum. The improved results either in primary and secondary rhinoplasty would seem to justify this technique. Some variations in fascia grafts are presented with clinical examples.     

The role of septal surgery in management of the deviated nose

The deviated nose represents a complex cosmetic and functional problem. Septal surgery plays a central role in the successful management of the externally deviated nose. This study included 260 patients seeking rhinoplasty to correct external nasal deviations; 75 percent of them had various degrees of nasal obstruction. Septal surgery was necessary in 232 patients (89 percent), not only to improve breathing but also to achieve a straight, symmetrical, external nose as well. A graduated surgical approach was adopted to allow correction of the dorsal and caudal deviations of the nasal septum without weakening its structural support to the dorsum or nasal tip. The approach depended on full mobilization of deviated cartilage, followed by straightening of the cartilage and its fixation in the corrected position by using bony splinting grafts through an external rhinoplasty approach.     

Digital photography for rhinoplasty

Standardized, high-quality, preoperative photographs of the nose are critical for preoperative rhinoplasty planning, comparative postoperative assessment, and demonstration of surgical results. To produce these high-quality, reproducible photographs, it is essential to standardize lighting, to properly position the patient in standard views, to avoid lens distortion, and to maintain consistent camera-to-subject distances. Traditional photographic standards have been well documented in the literature; however, most do not address digital photography, and none address digital photography for rhinoplasty. Certain variables in digital photography that are not present in 35-mm photography can be critical to the appearance of the final image. Variables such as image color and contrast (which usually vary between digital cameras), focal length differences between 35-mm and most digital cameras, the effect of resolution and compression on image quality, and the effect of the printing method used can affect the appearance of the external anatomy of the nose in the final print or image. Lack of detail in the external nasal anatomy becomes an issue if the surgeon uses the photograph intraoperatively for reference, as the authors do. Initially, the authors experienced difficulties with observing subtleties in the tip-defining points and tip anatomy using digital photography when compared with our traditional methods of 35-mm photography. The lack of detail in the external anatomy was most prevalent in the frontal and basal views. Thus, the authors have since tailored their photographic methods to document the rhinoplasty patient to maximize the visual information of the external nasal anatomy in the photographic and the printed image. This article is intended to review the photographic principles for standardized rhinoplasty photography, address the additional considerations necessary when using digital photography, discuss the printing variables that can affect overall quality of the printed image, and discuss the authors' new method of photographing the rhinoplasty patient.     

The Turkish delight: a pliable graft for rhinoplasty

In nose surgery, carved or crushed cartilage used as a graft has some disadvantages, chiefly that it may be perceptible through the nasal skin after tissue resolution is complete. To overcome these problems and to obtain a smoother surface, the authors initiated the use of Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage. This innovative technique has been used by the authors on 2365 patients over the past 10 years: in 165 patients with traumatic nasal deformity, in 350 patients with postrhinoplasty deformity, and in 1850 patients during primary rhinoplasty. The highlights of the surgical procedure include harvested cartilage (septal, alar, conchal, and sometimes costal) cut in pieces of 0.5 to 1 mm using a no. 11 blade. The fine-textured cartilage mass is then wrapped in one layer of Surgicel and moistened with an antibiotic (rifamycin). The graft is then molded into a cylindrical form and inserted under the dorsal nasal skin. In the lateral wall and tip of the nose, some overcorrection is performed depending on the type of deformity. When the mucosal stitching is complete, this graft can be externally molded, like plasticine, under the dorsal skin. In cases of mild-to-moderate nasal depression, septal and conchal cartilages are used in the same manner to augment the nasal dorsum with consistently effective and durable results. In cases with more severe defects of the nose, costal cartilage is necessary to correct both the length of the nose and the projection of the columella. In patients with recurrent deviation of the nasal bridge, this technique provided a simple solution to the problem. After overexcision of the dorsal part of deviated septal cartilage and insertion of Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage, a straight nose was obtained in all patients with no recurrence (follow-up of 1 to 10 years). The technique also proved to be highly effective in primary rhinoplasties to camouflage bone irregularities after hump removal in patients with thin nasal skin and/or in cases when excessive hump removal was performed. As a complication, in six patients early postoperative swelling was more than usual. In 16 patients, overcorrection was persistent owing to fibrosis, and in 11 patients resorption was excessive beyond the expected amount. A histologic evaluation was possible in 16 patients, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, by removing thin slices of excess cartilage from the dorsum of the nose during touch-up surgery. This graft showed a mosaic-type alignment of graft cartilage with fibrous tissue connection among the fragments. In conclusion, this type of graft is very easy to apply, because a plasticine-like material is obtained that can be molded with the fingers, giving a smooth surface with desirable form and long-lasting results in all cases. The favorable results obtained by this technique have led the authors to use Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage routinely in all types of rhinoplasty.     

The depressed nasofrontal angle in aesthetic rhinoplasty

Certain patients seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty present with a so-called depressed nasofrontal angle. In this condition, the most careful part of the nasal bone is underdeveloped. This gives the illusion of a nasal hump. Complete removal of this hump will create a hypoplastic nose. Partial reduction of the hump and augmentation in the nasofrontal area are indicated in these patients. Autogenous material is preferable for this purpose. A number of patients are presented with illustration of the technique.     

Differing characteristics in 100 consecutive secondary rhinoplasty patients following closed versus open surgical approaches

Open rhinoplasty has unquestionably become more popular during the past two decades because of the putative diagnostic and technical advantages that direct transcolumellar access offers. To test the hypothesis that patients initially treated by the opened or closed approaches differed in the secondary deformities that developed, a retrospective study was conducted of 100 consecutive secondary rhinoplasty patients (66 women and 34 men) operated on by the author before February of 1998. Sixty-four percent had previously undergone closed rhinoplasties and 36 had undergone open rhinoplasties; the incidence of prior open rhinoplasty had increased steadily over the survey years, from 21 percent in 1996 to more than 50 percent in 1998, 1999, and 2000 (p < 0.05). The data generated indicate the following. First, the open rhinoplasty patients had undergone more operations (3.1 versus 1.2) and had more presenting complaints (5.8 versus 2.6) than the closed rhinoplasty patients. Second, although the most common presenting complaint among prior closed rhinoplasty patients was an overresected dorsum (50 percent) or tip (33 percent) or internal valvular obstruction (42 percent), prior open rhinoplasty patients complained more frequently than the closed rhinoplasty patients of these problems and also external valvular obstruction (50 percent, p < 0.0001), short nose (39 percent, p < 0.001), wide columella (36 percent, p < 0.001), narrow nose (31 percent, p < 0.001), columellar scar (25 percent, p < 0.001), and symptomatic columellar struts (19 percent, p < 0.001). Only excessive nasal length was more prevalent among closed rhinoplasty patients (20 percent, p < 0.01). Third, ranking of deformities differed significantly (p < 0.0001) between the two groups, so that complaints related to the nostrils, nasal tip, nasal length, or columella were more common among the open rhinoplasty patients than among those previously treated endonasally. Fourth, the relative frequencies of surgical complaints also differed: whereas patients previously treated endonasally were 6.7 times more likely to complain of long noses, patients previously treated by open rhinoplasty complained more frequently of the following: excessive columellar width (open approach, 36 percent of patients; closed approach, none), hard columellar struts (open approach, 19 percent of patients; closed approach, none), external valvular obstruction (4.5 times as frequent with the open approach as it was with the closed approach), alar/nostril distortion (four times as frequent), and narrow nose (3.9 times). Although the most common complaints among all postrhinoplasty patients remain the overresected dorsum, tip, or (internal valvular) airway obstruction, the author's data suggest that patients previously treated by the open approach are more likely to have postsurgical deformities and complaints referable to those anatomic structures most easily reached by transcolumellar exposure and to techniques that can be performed more readily or aggressively through that access route.     

Understanding the nasal airway: principles and practice

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the reader should be able to: 1. Describe the soft-tissue, cartilaginous, and bony anatomy of the nose. 2. Describe the anatomy and function of the nasal valves. 3. Discuss the governing physiologic principles responsible for airflow dynamics. 4. Discuss the various functions of the nose. 5. Demonstrate an appropriate evaluation of the nasal airway. 6. Discuss the differential diagnosis of nasal obstruction. 7. Discuss appropriate management options for nasal airway obstruction.The nose is a complex, multifunctional organ that requires respect and understanding from the rhinoplasty surgeon. The etiologic and pathologic characteristics of each patient's nasal airway problem determine the treatment of the nasal airway. Frequently, medical management is sufficient without operative intervention. Recent advances have shown that nasal valves in airway patency may play a more important role than the septum. The rhinoplasty surgeon's understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nasal airway, along with the causes of obstruction, can pave the way for a proper evaluation and appropriate management of nasal airway problems. Lack of understanding can result in misdiagnosis and mismanagement. This article outlines current concepts of medical and surgical management of nasal airway problems and discusses in detail the key concepts and principles in the practical management of the nasal airway.     

Nasal augmentation with Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage: a review of 67 consecutive cases

Cartilage grafting has been used extensively to correct both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the nasal framework. The technique described by Erol ( 105: 2229, 2000) uses Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage grafts in rhinoplasties. The advantages include its ease of preparation, the large volume of graft substrate available for use, and the avoidance of contour irregularities in the areas of placement. A retrospective case review of 67 consecutive patients who were treated with a Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage graft as part of an aesthetic and/or functional rhinoplasty, in a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000, was performed in this study. All cases of congenital nasal deformities or deformities caused by trauma or tumors in which the technique was used were excluded. The charts were reviewed to determine demographic variables, the surgical procedures performed, prior operations, the rhinoplasty approach used, and the graft donor and recipient sites. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were examined, and the results were assessed. Data on the donor and recipient sites, complications, and the necessity for revisionary procedures were tabulated. There were two complications, namely, an infection, which resolved with aspiration and oral antibiotic therapy, and a recurrence of a dorsal depression, which necessitated repeated augmentation within 6 months. The technique of using Surgicel-wrapped diced cartilage proved to be effective for the augmentation of various areas of the nose. The complication and revision rates were acceptable and comparable to those of other techniques. Patient satisfaction with the aesthetic results was rated highly, with no reports of graft extrusion or contour irregularities. This technique is recommended for nasal augmentation and contouring for selected rhinoplasty patients.     

Hispanic rhinoplasty in the United States,with emphasis on the Mexican American nose

Because an increasing number of Hispanic patients are seeking nasal surgical treatment, a critical analysis of 25 consecutive Hispanic rhinoplasties was performed. After a review of the patient data and preoperative photographs, a new classification was developed, based on the type of deformity rather than geographical origins (as previously used). A treatment paradigm is offered for each type of deformity. Type I involves a high radix, a high dorsum, and a nearly normal tip and is often referred to as a Castilian nose. Treatment consists of a closed functional reduction rhinoplasty, with dorsal reduction and minor tip changes. Type II involves a low radix, a normal dorsum, and a dependent tip and is a new designation. Treatment consists of a finesse rhinoplasty with a radix graft, minimal dorsal changes, use of a columellar strut for support, and open tip suturing. Type III involves a broad base, thick skin, and a wide tip deformity, with its worst expression in the mestizo nose. Treatment consists of a balanced rhinoplasty with minimal dorsal alteration but maximal lobular reduction and an open-structure tip graft. The following conclusions with respect to Hispanic rhinoplasty in the United States are important: (1) an enormous anatomical diversity of deformities is present, in contrast to Asian and black noses; (2) three distinct types of deformities have been identified, each of which requires a different surgical approach; (3) a wide variety of surgical techniques are necessary, in contrast to other ethnic noses; (4) conservative dorsal reduction is essential for type II and III noses; and (5) limitations imposed by the skin envelope are far less than presupposed, and the results are better than generally recognized. As the Hispanic population grows and becomes more prosperous, plastic surgeons in the United States can expect to encounter an increasing number of Hispanic patients requesting rhinoplasty.     

Rhinoplasty and endoscopic surgery for functional and inflammatory nasal/sinus disorders

The rhinoplastic surgeon when faced with nasal sinusitis has traditionally delayed aesthetic treatment of the nose, referring the patient to the ear, nose, and throat consultant until complete resolution of the inflammatory condition. Often, under such a scenario, the patient found the ear, nose, and throat procedure to be a traumatic experience that discouraged further surgery of an aesthetic nature. The advent of functional endoscopic sinus surgery has significantly modified the management of paranasal sinus disorders. This minimally invasive, sophisticated procedure can easily be combined with rhinoplasty. More recently, an endoscopic approach has been advocated for management of the septum and lower/middle turbinates. The authors call this functional endoscopic nasal surgery. Functional endoscopic nasal surgery allows a clearer view of the operative field (septum and turbinates), a more accurate correction of nasal obstruction, and better control of bleeding. Thus, endoscopic techniques permit the treatment of functional and inflammatory nasal disorders in a single stage, along with aesthetic improvement. Only the patient with severe sinusitis is unsuitable for combined therapy. The authors present their experience based on 72 consecutive cases of combined functional endoscopic sinus surgery/functional endoscopic nasal surgery with aesthetic rhinoplasty. Complications were minimal and functional failures were limited to 4 percent, whereas aesthetic outcomes remained uncompromised.     

Caudal nasal deviation

Caudal nasal deviation, manifested by a "crooked tip," asymmetric nostrils, and a deviated columella, is one of the most challenging deformities encountered in rhinoplasty. This entity is often ignored by rhinoplasty surgeons, on the basis of the assumption that correction of other segments of the deviated nose will improve the caudal nose. Failure to correct this imperfection (or, occasionally, deformity) invariably produces suboptimal results. The nasal structures involved in caudal nasal deviation, namely, the septum, the lower lateral cartilages, and the anterior nasal spine, must be evaluated for identification of the anatomical blocks that have a causative role in caudal nasal deviation. The specific structures with abnormalities related to this deformity are discussed, as are techniques for the correction of the deformities. These techniques significantly augment the surgeon's repertoire of methods for addressing the subtleties of caudal nasal deviation correction and achieving predictable results.     

鼻中隔软骨联合耳软骨雕塑鼻尖在假体隆鼻中应用效果

目的:探讨假体隆鼻时应用鼻中隔软骨联合耳软骨雕塑鼻尖的临床效果。方法:选取2013年1月至2014年3月在我院进行隆鼻术的患者98例,按照随机数表法将其分成对照组和实验组,每组49人。对照组患者采用单纯的假体隆鼻,实验组患者采用假体隆鼻并使用鼻中隔软骨联合耳软骨雕塑鼻尖。评价手术的满意程度及手术前后患者的鼻长、鼻尖高度、鼻尖角的变化情况。结果:实验组患者的治疗满意度为91.84%,明显高于对照组的40.82%,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。实验组患者术后鼻长、鼻尖高度、鼻尖角均优于手术前(P0.05),且显著优于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:应用鼻中隔软骨联合耳软骨雕塑鼻尖在假体隆鼻中具有良好的应用效果,满意度较高,值得在临床上推广使用。     

The hanging ala

The relationship of the alar rim to the columella can be altered during rhinoplasty. This may be especially true when a long nose has been shortened. In thin-skinned individuals, elevation of the ala may be accomplished by resection of the caudal aspect of the lateral crus without trimming the lining. In thick-skinned individuals, elevation of the ala may be accomplished by resection of the nasal lining at the cephalad border of the alar cartilage.     

Lengthening the nose with a tongue-and-groove technique

Lengthening the short nose is often a major task. The ability to maintain proper alignment between the nasal base and dorsum may prove difficult without sacrificing the suppleness of the former. In this article, the authors introduce a technique of nose lengthening that ensures alignment of the tip with the rest of the nose yet avoids tip rigidity, unless a significant increase in tip projection is also planned. Two spreader grafts are placed, one on either side of the septum, and are extended beyond the caudal septal angle proportional to the planned nasal lengthening. A columella strut, with the cephalocaudal dimension equaling the combination of the width of the existing medial crura plus the amount of planned nasal lengthening, is placed between the medial crura in continuity with the caudal septum and is fixed to the medial crura using 5-0 clear nylon or polydioxanone suture. If additional projection beyond what is achievable by mere placement of a columella strut is required, the strut is fixed to the spreader grafts in a more projected position. Otherwise, the columella strut is simply positioned between the extensions of the spreader grafts. It is necessary to mobilize the lower lateral cartilages to prevent excessive columella show. This procedure has been performed on 23 patients over the past 12.5 years, with 20 patients enjoying good-to-excellent results. The advantages of this technique include its predictability and reproducibility, and the ability to elongate the nose with a mobile nasal base that is in line with the rest of the nose. If suture fixation is used to gain more projection, the technique proves dependable but the nose will become more rigid than is optimal. The requirement of three pieces of properly shaped septal cartilage, which might not be available when a secondary rhinoplasty is performed, is the major disadvantage of this operation. Furthermore, the procedure is, to some degree, labor-intensive.     

Revising the nasal tip: a new approach

After a very cautious dissection, the crossing of cartilages is going to produce a "spring effect" which, in pushing them to the right position, will consequently correct the pinch. This is a simple procedure, indicated only for nose tips or, if associated with other techniques, to correct secondary rhinoplasty patients.