Wide-Based Columellar Strut Graft: A Novel Boost for Enhanced Nasal Tip Support in Ethnic and Revision Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nasal tip support is crucial for achieving both aesthetic and functional outcomes in rhinoplasty. This study introduces a wide-based columellar strut graft (WB-columellar strut graft) as a new modification to provide enhanced support for the nasal tip, especially in challenging ethnic and revision rhinoplasty cases. OBJECTIVE: To present and evaluate the effectiveness of the WB-columellar strut graft in providing sufficient nasal tip support and achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcomes in patients with ethnic noses, Asian noses, and revision rhinoplasty cases presenting with weak caudal septum or anterior nasal spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients, aged between 17 and 48, were included in this study. Of these, 11 were revision cases, 12 had ethnic noses, and nine had Asian noses. The technique involved preparing a WB-columellar strut graft in two different ways according to the need of particular case. WB-columellar strut graft-1: Constructed from either costal or septal cartilage, with a widened columellar base using bilateral grafts and a columellar strut graft. WB-columellar strut graft-2: Exclusively from costal cartilage, featuring a groove on the anterior surface for insertion of a columellar strut graft to form a wide-based structure. The grafts were applied to provide robust support in cases, where the caudal septum and spine were excessively resected. RESULTS: In 25 patients, the graft was prepared from costal cartilage, while in seven patients it was from septal cartilage. The WB-columellar strut graft-1 modification was used in 22 patients, and the WB-columellar strut graft-2 in 10 patients. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months, with only one case requiring a mini-revision due to visible tip graft. No significant complications were reported in other patients. CONCLUSION: The WB-columellar strut graft is an effective boost for enhancing nasal tip support in ethnic and revision rhinoplasty cases. It provides a more robust structural foundation, leading to long-lasting and satisfactory aesthetic results. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with retracted caudal septum and weak anterior nasal spine, providing improved nasal tip projection and rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Tip Support in the Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty: A Comparison of Septal Extension Graft and Columellar Strut Graft.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to comparatively analyze nasal projection and rotation changes in patients that underwent secondary cleft rhinoplasty with a columellar strut graft (CSG) or septal extension graft (SEG). METHODS: Thirty-three patients were randomly divided into two groups. Preoperative, intraoperative (immediate postoperative), postoperative 1-, 6- and 12-month profile view pictures were analyzed. The nasion (N), alar base-cheek junction (A), tip defining point (T), columella (C), and lips (L) were marked. The AT/AN ratio, NAT angle, Goode ratio, and columellar-labial angle (CLA) were measured. RESULTS: Regarding tip projection, the AT/AN ratio was lower in CSG group compared to SEG group postoperatively. In CSG group, there was a significant progressive decrease in the AT/AN ratio, whereas in SEG group, it decreased until postoperative 6 month. Regarding tip rotation, the NAT angle was higher in CSG group postoperatively and increased progressively. In SEG group, the NAT angle was lower intraoperatively compared to the postoperative period, whereas it did not differ significantly in-between follow-ups. The Goode ratio was significantly lower in CSG group compared to SEG group postoperatively. In SEG group, the Goode ratio was significantly higher intraoperatively compared to the postoperative period, but it did not differ significantly in-between follow-ups. In CSG group, the Goode ratio decreased progressively. The CLA decreased in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Secondary cleft lip rhinoplasty is a distinct subgroup of rhinoplasty that necessitates stable and strong tip support. SEG provides more reliable and predictable long-term results in secondary cleft lip rhinoplasty than CSG. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 .

A Modified Large-Cap Graft in East Asian Revision Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructing a well-defined nasal tip is a big challenge for East Asian patients, especially with nasal tip irregularities or short noses in revision rhinoplasty. This study aims to report our experience with a modified large-cap graft for improving the contour of the nasal tip in revision rhinoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for 91 patients (81 females, 10 males; mean age, 26.8 ± 6.7 years) who underwent revision rhinoplasty with a modified large-cap graft. The rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) was used for investigating patient satisfaction. The aesthetic outcomes were assessed by preoperative and postoperative photographs by two blinded plastic surgeons using the Independent Rhinoplasty Outcome Score. RESULTS: Most patients reported satisfactory aesthetic outcomes with overall ROE score increasing from preoperative 11.66 ± 3.98 to postoperative 17.30 ± 5.03 (p < 0.001). The doctors' evaluations on the improved contour of the nose rendered an overall score of 3.77 ± 0.42. The complication rate was 3.3% (pleural tear, 1.1%; hypertrophic scar, 2.2%) at the donor site, and 7.7% at the recipient site (warping, 3.3%; extrusion, 1.1%; deviation, 2.2%; infection, 1.1%). No other complications were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Large-cap graft may be safe and efficient for reconstructing contour of the nasal tip in revision rhinoplasty for East Asian patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Bilateral Fan-Shaped Septal Extension Struts in East Asian Augmentation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: For costal cartilage-based rhinoplasty, a method that could properly manage warping of the columellar strut graft and facilitate establishing a stable cartilaginous framework remains desirable. In this study, the authors present a new graft design named bilateral septal extension strut. It utilizes a pair of cartilage grafts with the shape of a fan, which are bilaterally fixated to the septum. Such "sandwiched" structure undertakes the combined functional roles of a columellar strut and a septal extension graft. METHODS: Fifty-two female patients, ranging in age from 18 to 37 years, received augmentation rhinoplasty surgery based on the bilateral septal extension strut. Among these patients, 20 of them were primary cases, 26 secondary, and other six cases were tertiary. RESULTS: Patients' own evaluations on the overall improvements in the nose rendered high satisfaction rate. There was no case of graft extrusion or infections. During the long-term follow-up, one case presented dorsal onlay graft warping and two cases presented in significant asymmetrical nostrils due to the deviation of the columellar at 12 months postoperatively and were corrected in the revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the bilateral septal extension struts can help mitigate the negative impact of strut graft warping, making it more manageable. As a result, reliable as well as sustainable support for both tip and lower lateral cartilages can be achieved in the long term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Double Columellar Strut: A New Method for Tip Surgery-A Study of 642 Cases with a 15-Year Follow-up.

GOAL: Of the first nasal tip modeling procedures performed, the Anderson tripod concept is the most well known, and many anatomy-related studies have analyzed the components involved in tip surgery. The main goals of nasal tip surgery are to stabilize the tip complex, which largely affects the shape, projection and rotation of the nasal tip. OBJECTIVE: The present study describes a new, original method, the double columellar strut and its main advantages compared to conventional techniques used for structural rhinoplasty. METHODS: The study involved 642 patients (496 women and 146 men, with an average age of 38.67 years) who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2018 by two operators. The patients were re-examined to evaluate the outcomes at least 1 year after surgery, and long-term results (15 years) were recorded for the oldest patients in regard to esthetics (projection, shape, rotation) and breathing function. RESULTS: Of the 642 patients, 34 required a surgical revision for minor defects of the tip due to asymmetry, and the natural appearance after the first surgery was not affected. For the primary rhinoplasties, there were no breathing disorders that required revision surgery due to systematic restoration or preservation of the middle third. CONCLUSION: The double columellar strut could be performed in the same conditions that the others conventional structural grafts. As a polyvalent alternative, it can be used with closed or open approaches and involves the use of only a limited amount of cartilaginous material. This anatomical approach yields natural results, acting as a foundation for controlling the shape, projection and rotation of the nasal tip. In addition, with or without complementary techniques such as the "tongue-in-groove" technique or tip grafts, the double columellar strut can be considered a "multifunction pocket knife" for tip surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Comma-Shaped Columellar Strut for Nasal Tip Plasty in East Asian Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: For East Asians, rhinoplasty procedures are predominantly focused on reconstructing a well-defined nasal tip. In this study, the authors present a new graft design for the columellar strut that is similar to the shape of a comma mark. As one integrated piece, the graft undertakes the roles of providing solid support for the tip, modifying different angles, as well as relationships between the tip and columella. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five female patients, ranging in age from 18 to 42 years (average 27.1 years), received augmentation rhinoplasty surgery over the past 4 years with an average postoperative follow-up of 12 months. Among these patients, 78 of them were primary cases and others were secondary or more. The cartilaginous framework was reconstructed based on comma strut with other grafts including spreaders and dorsal onlay grafts. RESULTS: Patients' own evaluations on the overall improvements of the nose rendered high satisfaction rate. During the long-term follow-up, 8 cases presented asymmetrical nostrils with slightly deviated columella; minor revision surgeries were performed. Another 3 cases presented dorsal graft warping and were also corrected. No other major complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The comma strut provides a reliable support for the nasal tip; its dual curved structure plays the instrumental role in defining the lobular-columellar angle as well as modifying the supratip break. This graft design offers good control of tip and columella; as a result, consistent, reproducible results can be achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Economizing the Septal Cartilage for Grafts During Rhinoplasty, 40 Years' Experience.

BACKGROUND: During rhinoplasty, it is typically necessary to use cartilage to shape and support the final nasal construct to provide both form and function to the nose (Tanna et al. in Plast Reconstr Surg 141(1):137e-151e, 2018; Guyuron in Plast Reconstr Surg 105(6):2257-2259, 2000; Kim et al. in Ann Plast Surg 65(6):519-523, 2010). The septal cartilage is the ideal graft both for its ease of access and quality of cartilage. However, this graft is a limited resource, and economy of its use is important as to negate the need to harvest cartilage from the ear or rib. THE PURPOSE: 1. To share the senior author's 40 years' experience with the economy of septal cartilage. 2. To identify the areas of the septal cartilage most suitable for a particular graft. 3. To discuss the common grafts that are used in rhinoplasty. 4. To identify when other sources of cartilage are needed and where to best use those grafts. 5. To present option for preservation of the leftover septal cartilage. CONCLUSION: Overall consideration should focus on the size, thickness, and curvature of the graft contemplating the structural and functional needs of the rhinoplasty maneuvers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 .

Changes in elastic properties of the nasal tip using Columellar strut graft versus tongue-in-groove method over one year after rhinoplasty.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we decided to investigate the changes in elasticity of the nasal tip using Columellar strut graft versus toung in groove method over a year after rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this before-after randomized clinical trial study, 44 candidates for rhinoplasty were enrolled Columellar strut graft group (n = 22) and toung in groove group (n = 22). Also 22 patients who referred to ENT clinic without any previous rhinoplasty and without any decision for it during the next year, considered as control group. One group underwent columellar strut graft and the other one underwent tongue in groove rhinoplasty and in control group participants received no intervention. Nasolabial angle and elasticity of the nasal tip were recorded and compared before the surgery, immediately after the surgery, 3 months and one year after the surgery. RESULT: There was no significant difference between the mean elasticity of the nose and the nasolabial angle before the surgery, immediately after the surgery and 3 months after the surgery between the groups. However, there was significant differences in the mean elasticity of the nose and the nasolabial angle between the groups one year after the surgery (P value < 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a significant correlation between nasal tip elasticity 3 months and 1 year after rhinoplasty (P = 0.032, r = 0.459) and nasolabial angle 3 months and 1 year after rhinoplasty (P = 0.045, r = 0.431). CONCLUSION: According to the results, it can be concluded that the both the Columellar strut graft and toung in groove methods improve elastic properties of the nasal tip and nasolabial angle after rhinoplasty compare to the control group.

Open rhinoplasty using a columellar strut: effects of the graft on nasal tip projection and rotation.

BACKGROUND: Despite the discordance in the literature concerning the effect of columellar strut grafts on nasal tip rotation, this method is often used when an increase in nasolabial angle or nasal tip projection is desired. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to elucidate the change in nasolabial angles and nasal tip projections after exclusive columellar strut graft implantations and in addition to other surgical steps. Furthermore, differences in these parameters between patients with conchal and septal columellar strut grafts were investigated. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective cohort study of 173 open septorhinoplasties with columellar strut graft technique, between 2006 and 2016, was conducted. The pre- and postoperative nasal tip projection, nasolabial and nasofrontal angle and interalar distance were determined and the Goode-ratio was calculated. RESULTS: In cases where uprotation was not specifically desired, neither nasolabial angles nor tip projections changed significantly, irrespective of whether a columellar strut graft was used alone or with additional surgical steps. If an uprotation through surgery was desired, a significant mean increase in nasolabial angle of 4.4° was achieved. Furthermore, conchal instead of septal columellar strut grafts showed significantly better results. CONCLUSION: In our study, a columellar strut graft-without any additional surgical step-does only have an improving impact on nasal tip rotations and projections, if specifically intended to by the surgeon. In other words, if the strut graft was not chosen for an uprotational intention, it did not relevantly impact on the nasolabial angle or nasal tip projection. However, in patients where an uprotation is desired, the columellar strut graft still represents a meaningful tool. Since conchal instead of septal columellar strut grafts showed better results, we suggest using them for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

A Novel Technique of Asian Tip Plasty: Rein-Shaped Columellar Strut Graft.

BACKGROUND: The columellar strut graft is one of the most commonly used invisible grafts in tip plasty techniques for nasal tip projection. However, the columellar strut graft induces cephalic rotation of the dome with nasal tip projection. This is an effective change in Western people with a long nose; however, this change should be avoided in Asians who have a relatively short nose and visible nostrils. We designed a more convenient and effective technique using a rein-shaped columellar strut graft that can prevent cephalic rotation of the dome. METHODS: A total of 32 patients underwent surgery with a rein-shaped columellar strut graft with a septal cartilage. The projection and location of the nasal tip, nasal length, and nasolabial angle were measured after taking a photograph of the lateral view, and the preoperative and postoperative results were compared. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative values of the nasal tip projection ratio and nasal tip location ratio. There were no revision surgeries and no direct complications associated with the use of the columellar strut graft. CONCLUSION: We performed tip plasty with a modified columellar strut graft-the rein-shaped columellar strut graft. In most cases of using this method, the tip projection was increased and the cephalic rotation of the tip was prevented. This surgical procedure can also be used for lengthening (rotating caudally) of the nose in some cases, as well as for the purpose of preventing the cephalic rotation of the tip. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

The Effect of the Short and Floating Columellar Strut Graft and Septocolumellar Suture on Nasal Tip Projection and Rotation in Primary Open Approach Rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: The maintenance of desired tip projection and rotation is an important goal in rhinoplasty. In this study, the effects of the columellar strut graft and septocolumellar sutures were evaluated in a follow-up period of 1 year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In half of 44 patients, nasal tip was constructed with basic tip maneuvers and two septocolumellar sutures (Group-1, Suture Group), whereas in the remaining 22 patients, a columellar strut graft was added for tip support (Group-2, Suture + Graft Group). Standardized right profile images were taken preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Nasal tip projection was evaluated using Goode's method. For the evaluation of tip rotation, the nasolabial angle was measured. The results were statistically compared, and a p value lower than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Between the postoperative first month to first year, the loss of tip projection was 3.8% in Group-1 and 3.5% in Group-2 which was statistically insignificant (p value 0.942). The loss of tip rotation was found as 4.6° (4.1%) in Group-1 and 4.6° (4.0%) in Group-2 which was also statistically insignificant (p value 0.979). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of the study, in most of the primary cases, two septocolumellar sutures in conjunction with basic tip maneuvers are sufficient for positioning and stabilizing of the nasal tip, and a short and floating columellar strut graft does not have any affect in maintenance of the desired nasal tip rotation and projection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 A3 online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266 .

Reconstruction of nasal tip support in primary, open approach septorhinoplasty : A retrospective analysis between the tongue-in-groove technique and the columellar strut.

The reconstruction of the nasal tip support is one of the most essential issues in septorhinoplasty. A comparison of the results after using the tongue-in-groove technique and the columellar strut technique was the target of this study. Thirty-three patients who underwent a primary, open approach septorhinoplasty using the above-mentioned techniques were retrospectively analyzed. The gain in tip rotation postoperatively, the sensitivity and the rigidity of the nasal tip and the aesthetic outcome after surgery were examined and evaluated. Both techniques led to an increase in nasal tip rotation postoperatively. The gain in rotation was higher in patients, treated with the tongue-in-groove technique (p = 0.0052). The sensitivity of the tip region in the tongue-in-groove group of patients was significantly lower than that in the columellar strut group of patients (p = 0.0424). Both techniques led to high percentages of tip rigidity after surgery with satisfactory aesthetic results though. The tongue-in-groove technique and the columellar strut technique are both reliable techniques for reconstructing the nasal tip support and correcting a droopy tip. Although the tongue-in-groove technique might result in a more significant increase in tip rotation, it leads to less sensitivity in the tip region.

A Dynamic Endonasal Columellar Strut Placement.

The dynamic retrograde intercrural columellar strut graft placement is a novel technique for a columellar strut insertion via a hemi-transfixion incision in patients undergoing endonasal functional or cosmetic surgery. It has a maximally concealed incision and does not disrupt major or minor tip support mechanisms. In our article, we give a detailed description of this unique surgical technique. Laryngoscope, 134:1246-1248, 2024.

A Comparative Study of Columellar Strut and Septal Extension Grafts for Tip Support in Rhinoplasty.

Background: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures. Columellar strut and septal extension grafts are commonly used for tip support, but their long-term effectiveness and stability remain debated. This study aims to compare the long-term postoperative stability of these two techniques. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients underwent primary rhinoplasty using either columellar strut or septal extension grafts between March 2021 and March 2022 was conducted. Nasal tip projection and rotation stability were analyzed through photographic evaluations conducted preoperatively, as well as at 6 and 18 months postoperatively. Additionally, participant's satisfaction and the incidence of postoperative complications were assessed. Results: Both grafting techniques exhibited an initial increase in tip projection, followed by a slight regression at later stages. However, this change was not statistically significant for either group. A distinct difference emerged in tip rotation, as measured by the nasolabial angle. The columellar strut group experienced a notable increase in tip rotation initially, followed by a significant decrease, while the septal extension graft group exhibited minimal and statistically insignificant changes in tip rotation over the same period. Conclusion: Nasal tip rotation was more stable in cases with septal extension grafts compared to those with columellar strut grafts.

Septal Extension Graft Versus Columellar Strut.

Stabilizing the nasal base is important before working on the nasal tip lobule. This will help define the nasolabial angle, the alar columellar relationship and nasal tip projection and rotation. Columellar struts and septal extension grafts are techniques that balance the nasal base and create a stable structure to modify the nasal tip. The type of graft used, and its design will depend on the patient's needs, cartilage availability and surgical techniques used. An endonasal or open approach can be used. In this chapter, authors will share their experience using columellar struts and the different types of septal extension grafts.

Nasal Tip Support and Management of the Tip Tripod Complex.

Controlling the nasal tip to achieve excellent structural and cosmetic outcomes is challenging in rhinoplasty surgery. A strong foundation and understanding of the nasal tripod complex and the various methods for restoring tip support mechanisms when disrupted either from surgery or other means is critical. The columellar strut graft, septal extension graft, and tongue-in-groove suture technique are well-described methods to control and support the nasal tip. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, but one should be comfortable with the nuances of each to master nasal tip surgery.

Correction of secondary unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity in adults using lower lateral cartilage repositioning, columellar strut, and onlay cartilage graft on the nasal tip with open rhinoplasty combined with reverse-U incision.

A rhinoplasty technique involving lower lateral cartilage (LLC) repositioning and grafting of ear cartilage allows for nasal lengthening and nasal tip mobility. For better esthetic outcomes in patients with cleft lip nasal deformity (CLND), we combined cosmetic nasal tip plasty with standard techniques. We performed open rhinoplasty combined with reverse-U incision and V-Y plasty in 62 patients with secondary unilateral CLND from October 2013 to June 2018. Both LLCs were isolated, repositioned, approximated medially, and advanced with a Medpor strut, followed by tip suture technique. To further project and enhance the nasal tip and columella, application of ear cartilage onlay graft was used. As adjunctive procedures, septoplasty or osteotomy was carried out for correction of septal or nasal bone deviations, respectively. Photogrammetric evaluations of patients and statistical analyses were performed. Average age at operation was 23.5 years (range: 18-42 years). Of the 62 patients, 15 underwent dorsal augmentation with silicone implant. Two-layer conchal cartilage onlay grafting was performed to manage tip height. Outcomes in 34 patients were analyzed with pre- and postoperative photography. Nasal tip projection increased, alar base width index decreased, and alar and columellar symmetry significantly improved. No Medpor implant exposure or other adverse outcomes occurred. The proposed technique is effective for correcting secondary unilateral CLND and achieving a satisfying nasal appearance in adults.

Preservation Rhinoplasty for the Dorsum and Tip.

By performing a preservation rhinoplasty, the surgeon can achieve natural and stable results by intraoperative replacement of resection with preservation and excision with manipulation of ligaments, cartilages, soft tissues, and the osseocartilaginous dorsum. In this article, the authors explain step by step the dorsal preservation rhinoplasty with low septal strip and a combination of nasal bones osteoplasty and osteotomies, the tip preservation rhinoplasty based on nose tip polygons, and the authors' technique for modify the nasal tip projection and rotation with a posterior strut or anterior septal strip.

"Modified tongue-in-groove": a new tip-plasty technique and comparison of its effect on correction of the nasolabial angle with the columellar strut technique.

Ptosis of the nasal tip is one of the most challenging aspects of rhinoplasty, and the tongue-in-groove (TIG) and the columellar strut (CST) techniques are the two most common procedures used to improve it. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new modification of TIG, to evaluate the long term results of the modified TIG, and to compare its effect on correction of the nasolabial angle with that of the CST. Eighty patients with droopy nasal tips (all female, aged <40 years) were divided into two groups of 40 each according to the technique used for correction (modified TIG or CST). The nasolabial angle was recorded preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and after one year. The mean was 90.80° in the modified TIG group and 94.87° in the CST preoperatively, which did not differ significantly (p=0.056). Immediately postoperatively, it was significantly higher in the CST group (116.92° compared with 107.10°, p=0.01), but at the one-year follow-up, the droop was similar in both groups (-7.35° in the modified TIG, and -7.48° in the CST group, respectively, p=0.942). Both techniques significantly increased the nasolabial angle postoperatively (p<0.001 in both cases). This study showed that the modified TIG is a reliable and effective technique for reconstructing and correcting a droopy nasal tip, and its long-term efficacy is comparable with that of CST.

The hump columellar strut: a reliable technique for correction of nasal tip underprojection.

Nasal tip under projection is often found in rhinoplasty cases both for congenital or post-traumatic deformity. Nasal trauma may result in alteration of the external and internal nasal structures with following aesthetic impairment and difficulties in breathing. Post-traumatic surgery is frequent, but restoration of pre-traumatic form and function remains a challenge. The present paper describes a new method to increase tip projection by a columellar strut harvested from the autologous nasal bone and cartilage of the resected hump. A total of 15 cases (11 women/4 men, mean age 32.6 ± 12.3 years) of major tip projection/misalignment abnormalities to be corrected by increased nasal tip projection were drawn, and all underwent closed or open rhinoplasty with the placement of a bony columellar strut harvested from the resected hump of the patient. Short and long-term advantages of this procedure are to be underlined. Harvesting is routinely performed during dorsal resection and preparation of the graft is easy. Differently from bone of the vomer or the inferior turbinate, this is cortical bone straight in shape and rigid in framework, and therefore ideal to gain reliable tip support overtime. No additional harvesting areas are needed. Placement of this bony strut is carried out in the standard fashion without additional dissection or further procedures. Long-term follow-up shows maintained projection over time. This graft can be combined with various grafting or suturing techniques usually applied according to each surgeon's experience and the needs of each patient.