Quality of Life (QoL) and Outcome After Preservation Rhinoplasty (PR) Using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) Questionnaire-A Prospective Observational Single-Centre Study.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty is a challenging procedure, and the ultimate goal is not only to restore the function and youthful appearance, but also to improve the quality of life (QoL). Little is known about the QoL after preservation rhinoplasty (PR). The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction after PR by using a validated questionnaire. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing primary PR were included in this prospective cohort single-centre (private) study. Overall, 58 patients (41 female and 17 male patients, mean age 32 ± 9.7 years) were operated on between 2017 and 2021. Patient assessment regarding their outcome was evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up using a validated questionnaire (Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation Questionnaire = ROE). Subgroup analyses were performed between the ROE questions and radiological analysis by using the cone-beam computed tomography (CT) before surgery and at final follow-up. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 19.7 ± 7.9 months (range = 1-50 months), a high overall patient satisfaction was observed (37.9 ± 9.2 vs. 81.25 ± 14.17, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed the highest improvement in nose appearance, breathing, and self-confidence after surgery. The improvement of subjective breathing (1.471 ± 0.90 vs. 3.1 ± 0.88; p<0.0001) goes in line with an overall improved internal nasal valve (INV) angle (19.88° ± 3.3° vs. 22.04° ± 4.1°, p = 0.0231). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a high patient satisfaction after PR as evaluated by the ROE, which goes in line with aesthetics and function. 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 .

A 3-Level Impaction Technique for Dorsal Reshaping and Reduction Without Dorsal Soft Tissue Envelope Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Preservation rhinoplasty (PR) techniques are continuously evolving and many variations of established techniques have been proposed since Daniel coined this term in 2018. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe indications for a new "3-level impaction" technique, allowing, in selected cases, a complete profile correction and dorsal reduction without dissection of the dorsal soft tissue envelope (STE). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty primary closed rhinoplasty cases were retrospectively studied from January 2018 and October 2019. Age, sex, race, technical details, surgical time, and complications were registered. Ninety-five dorsa were reduced and shaped without dissecting the dorsal STE by combining: (1) a swinging-door septoplasty with low septal strip resection, (2) endonasal bony cap mosaic osteotomies, and (3) let-down or push-down operation. RESULTS: All patients showed a dramatic change in profile height and shape without either dorsal STE dissection or bony cartilage dorsal tissue resection. Mosaic osteotomies converted the dorsal keystone area from S- to V-shaped dorsum, let-down-operation and low septal strip resection enabled impaction, and profile setting was achieved by quadrangular cartilage flap rotation. The average follow-up time was 14 months (range, 12-16 months). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, dorsum can be preserved without STE dissection. By combining multiple endonasal maneuvers it is possible to obtain a dramatic change without dissecting the STE, while simultaneously avoiding any dorsal tissue resection. This method offers a versatile technique in selected patients, which leads to fast recovery and natural results.

Endoscopic "Quick" Septoplasty in Preservation Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preservation rhinoplasty (PR) is revolutionizing rhinoplasty surgery, based on new anatomical studies, advanced tip suture techniques, and refinement of surgical techniques. Septal surgery is a fundamental preparatory stage during PR, especially for the dorsal preservation let/push-down procedure. To increase the predictability of the septoplasty aesthetic effects on the nasal dorsum and further extend the principles of PR to septal surgery, we applied the endoscopic technology to the "quick" septoplasty technique we had already developed in the past decades. METHODS: One hundred sixty-six patients (41 males, 125 females; mean age, 39.7 years; age range, 18-61 years) were submitted to endoscopic "quick" septoplasty for septal deviation during PR procedure. Preoperative evaluation of the nasal dorsum included external examinations of the size, shape, and orientation of the dorsum. Anterior active rhinomanometry was performed in all patients to determine nasal flow resistance preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative patients' scores on the Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness questionnaire were compared to assess the improvement of nasal symptoms after surgery. The duration of the septoplasty procedure was measured for all the patients. Standard nasal photographic assessment was performed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperatively, 98.8% of our patients displayed an improvement of their nasal breathing function. No complication in terms of septal perforation, nasal infection, or bleeding was noticed. No case of turbinoseptal synechiae or cerebrospinal fluid leak was recorded. The dorsum preservation rhinoplasty procedure was successfully completed in all patients. The mean septoplasty operative time, excluding local anesthesia injection and other surgical procedures associated with septal surgery such as turbinoplasty and rhinoplasty, was 11.41 ± 6.23 minutes (range, 9-31 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that a short surgical time is needed to perform the proposed endoscopic septoplasty procedure. Such a short operative time allows the physician to both correct septal deviations quickly and correct/reduce the cartilaginous hump, thus representing a fundamental element of PR. In addition, the minimal tissue dissection reduces intraoperative nasal edema, favoring intraoperative aesthetic evaluation.

Osteoectomy in Rhinoplasty: A New Concept in Nasal Bones Repositioning.

BACKGROUND: Modern techniques of osteotomy have evolved to take into account the effects of bony repositioning on functional as well as aesthetic outcomes. Although a variety of methods have been described to appropriately mobilize and reposition the bony nasal vault, there is still no single procedure that can successfully manage nasal bones in its entirety. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the bone chisel scraping osteoectomy technique for lateral and medial osteotomies with the aim of managing nasal bone deformities that can overcome diverse shortcomings of the conventional methods. The new operative method was performed in 184 nasal bone osteoectomies (92 patients, 22 men and 70 women), ranging in age from 18 to 69 years (mean age, 38 years). The functional results were evaluated postoperatively by the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale, a brief and easy to complete validated questionnaire with a final score grading from 0 to 100 at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: With this new approach, no functional problems were reported. The mean Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale score was 5.3 at 3 months and 1.9 at 6 months. Only 1 primary case was reoperated for open roof deformity. Comparing the results with the previous osteotomy series of the senior author osteoectomy and osteotomy revision rates for inadequate bone mobilization were similar but osteoectomy technique did not create functional problems as the osteotomy technique did. CONCLUSIONS: Although this technique prolongs the operating time, it could offer considerable advantages in comparison with the classical techniques using osteotomies and hammer. This is because it offers a greater respect to the nasal respiratory function and gives a much better nasal base width control, resulting in more predictable results, less trauma, and therefore a lower risk of postoperative complications.

Interdomal-columellar myolipoma: discovered at rhinoplasty.

UNLABELLED: Tumors of the adipose tissue located in the nose are extremely rare. This report draws attention to the first case of nasal tip-columellar myolipoma described in the literature. During an open rhinoplasty, the authors elevated the columellar flap and approached the tip, where they found a misdiagnosed 2 × 1 cm fatty mass wedged into the interdomal space continuing between the middle and medial cruses of the alar cartilages, which were laterally dislocated. The mass was excised by sharp and blunt dissection, and histopathologic examination resulted in a diagnosis of myolipoma. This report presents a novel location of myolipoma discovered incidentally. Its unexpected presence affected the surgeons in their operational decisions and forced them to make a rapid change in their surgical plan. 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 .

Harvest of superficial layers of fat with a microcannula and isolation of adipose tissue-derived stromal and vascular cells.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is a source of stromal and vascular cells suitable for regenerative medical applications. Cell recovery depends on several factors, including the characteristics of the cannula used to harvest tissue. OBJECTIVES: The authors assess whether aspiration of superficial layers of adipose tissue performed with a microcannula, rather than a standard cannula, allows for improved isolation of stromal and vascular cells, and they evaluate the angiogenic potential of the isolated cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Adipose-derived stromal and stem cells (ADSC) were collected from the lipoaspirate of the abdomen and hip regions of 6 healthy female donors. For adipose tissue harvest, several options were compared: (1) a rounded-tip cannula with a length of 170 mm, a diameter of 3 mm, and a single elliptic suction port on the side near its distal end (port diameter: 3 × 9 mm) or (2) a rounded-tip infiltration cannula with a length of 170 mm, a diameter of 2 mm, and 5 round ports placed spirally along the sides of the distal cannula shaft (each port diameter: 1 mm) (Shipper Medical Technologies Corporation, Centennial, Colorado). Isolated cells were characterized for (1) expression of the endothelial specific marker CD31 by immunohistochemical and cytofluorimetric analyses and (2) tubular-like structure formation using a 3-dimensional angiogenesis assay on Matrigel. Human ADSC were transduced to express firefly luciferase as a marker suitable for bioluminescent tracking and transplantation studies into immunosuppressed mice were performed. RESULTS: ADSC yield was determined to be significantly higher in samples collected with the microcannula (P = .04). Moreover, isolated cells acquired typical endothelial-like morphology in vitro, formed capillary-like structures, and expressed the distinctive endothelial cell marker CD31. Cells implanted into immunosuppressed mice persisted for several weeks in areas undergoing neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that aspiration of adipose tissue with a microcannula can be a minimally invasive method to obtain clinically relevant numbers of stromal and vascular cells useful for autologous transplant procedures and for promoting tissue regeneration and neovascularization.

The Resting Angle Suture.

SUMMARY: The goal of every rhinoplasty surgeon is to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing nose. The lateral crura resting angle, a recently described key concept, should be taken into consideration to achieve a satisfactory result. In this article, the authors describe the resting-angle suture, a novel technique derived from the inversion suture used to correct ectropion deformity in lower eyelid surgery.

"Managing the Severe Septal Deviation Using Dorsal Preservation".

Severe septal deviations are a constant challenge for rhinosurgeons. As the septum is the most important pillar of the nasal framework, septal deformities require correction to insure a straight nose. The septum should be on the midline without any tension to ensure a correct healing of the external nasal pyramid. In certain cases, the association of a correct septoplasty and dorsal preservation allows the treatment of the crooked nose and at the same time gives natural results with rapid postoperative recovery. The aim of this article was to underline the versatility of the dorsal preservation technique for the correction of severe septal deviation.

My Approach to Preservation Rhinoplasty.

Preservation rhinoplasty entails the preservation of the supportive ligaments, preservation of the cartilage structure, and preserving the anatomy of the nasal dorsum. The preservation methods I use are described in this article.

A multivariate analysis after preservation rhinoplasty (PR) - a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Preservation rhinoplasty (PR) is considered to be an innovative approach with high patient satisfaction. However, little is known about its functional outcomes and radiological analyses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, 30 patients (20 female and 10 male patients, mean age 30.7 ±9.8 years) were operated on between 2017 and 2021. Radiological assessment was evaluated by cone beam computed tomography before surgery and at final follow-up. Patient assessment regarding their outcome was assessed at final follow-up using a validated questionnaire (rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation questionnaire = ROE). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 8.4 ± 5 months (range = 1 - 18 months), radiological analyses denoted an overall improved internal nasal valve (INV) angle after surgery (preoperative = 20.77° ± 3.2° vs. postoperative = 21.82° ± 5.7°, p = 0.18). Those results are in accordance with an overall high patient satisfaction for both function and aesthetics (ROE score 18.4 ± 4.3). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a preserved and widened INV angle after PR, along with high patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

An Italian Online Survey Regarding the Use of Hyaluronidase in Previously Hyaluronic Acid-Injected Noses Looking for Surgical Rhinoplasty.

Background: Nonsurgical nasal reshaping (nSNR) with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is a well-established procedure performed to ameliorate nasal appearance and is considered a valid alternative to surgical rhinoplasty in selected patients. Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate the decision-making process and management of patients undergoing rhinoplasty, with previous HA filler injection, and evaluate if consensus could be achieved to recommend guidelines. Methods: Between April and May 2021, an online survey was sent to 402 Italian surgeons of different specialties. The survey collected information regarding the types of treatment of patients who have previously undergone nSNR, who should undergo surgical rhinoplasty. For those surgeons using hyaluronidase, an additional information was collected. Results: In a range of time of 2 months (April and May 2021), a total of 72 surgeons replied and completed the survey: out of the 402 questionnaires sent, the response rate was approximately 18%. The majority of respondents (61.5%) replied to inject hyaluronidase (HYAL) in patients who had to undergo a rhinoplasty but reported previous nSNR. Of the surgeons who use HYAL, 70% performed rhinoplasty after a waiting time of 3 to 4 weeks. Conclusions: Either direct surgical approach or hyaluronidase injection first seems to be a viable options. The use of HYAL before surgery is the choice with the broadest consensus in our survey. However, a larger case-control study with long follow-ups is necessary to understand if in patient seeking surgical rhinoplasty who already received nSNR, the injection of hyaluronidase before surgery is mandatory, recommended, or not.

The Pruitt-Inahara carotid shunt as an assisting tool to anastomose the arterial free flap pedicle to the internal carotid artery in the vessel-depleted neck.

Microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction requires suitable recipient vessels which are frequently compromised by prior surgery or radiotherapy to the neck. This article details a new technique of arterial free flap pedicle anastomosis to the internal carotid artery in a vessel-depleted neck. A 63-year-old female was referred because of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, which involved the left-sided tongue base and pharynx with circumferential involvement of the homolateral external carotid artery. This artery and its branches were excluded as potential recipients. To close the defect after tumor excision, a free vertical rectus abdominis muscle arterial flap pedicle was anastomosed to the homolateral internal carotid artery with the help of a Pruitt-Inahara outlying carotid shunt. The venous anastomosis was performed to the internal jugular vein. The VRAM flap survived without complications. This procedure is to be considered an alternative rescue technique for salvage reconstruction in vessel depleted necks.

Rhytidectomy associated with autologous fat transplantation in Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Progressive hemifacial atrophy or Parry-Romberg syndrome is an uncommon degenerative and poorly understood condition characterized by progressive atrophy of 1 side of the face. It may involve several layers of tissue manifesting itself in a more or less aggressive form (mild, moderate, and severe). Generally, the restoration of contour and symmetry are the goals of the therapy in patients affected by this syndrome. In this article, we present the technique and the 6-year postsurgery result of a case of Parry-Romberg syndrome treated with 1-stage anterior lifting, removal of superficial muscular aponeurotic system, and autologous fat transplantation because the patient requested to recover more than atrophy and also 20 years of lost youth.

Pisa Tower Concept: A New Paradigm in Crooked Nose Treatment.

BACKGROUND: The primary element of a crooked nose is a midline deviation of the nasal pyramid. To date, no surgical strategies have been described as compatible with the philosophy of dorsal preservation. The dorsal preservation technique differs from the Joseph structured rhinoplasty because it preserves both the keystone area and the continuity of the cartilaginous vault. The authors focused on the versatility of the dorsal preservation technique even for the deviated nose, introducing the "Pisa Tower concept." METHODS: From January of 2015 to June of 2019, 280 patients diagnosed as having a crooked nose underwent primary septorhinoplasty with dorsal preservation through an asymmetric bony wedge resection and lowering of the bony pyramid onto the frontal process of the maxilla (the let-down osteotomy), in accordance with the Pisa Tower concept. Inclusion criteria were a preoperative computed tomography examination, nasal axis deviation, a complete photographic examination preoperatively, and at least a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The mean nasal axis deviation was 7.62 degrees preoperatively and 1.15 degrees postoperatively (p < 0.05). Of the 84 patients, 47 (55.95 percent) were very satisfied, 33 (39.28 percent) were satisfied, and four (4.76 percent) were unsatisfied with surgical results and required revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' opinion is that the association of "swinging door" septoplasty with the Pisa Tower concept can be a valid alterative to other techniques when working with the structured rhinoplasty philosophy in patients with a crooked nose. Although this is only a preliminary study, the decreased use of spreaders graft and less aggressive reconstructive methods look very promising. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Functional and Radiological Assessment After Preservation Rhinoplasty - A Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We hypothesized that improved functional outcome after preservation rhinoplasty can be validated by radiological analyses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, five patients were included. Radiological assessment was evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography. Patient satisfaction regarding nasal function was evaluated by a Likert scale from 0 to 10 (0=poor result; 10=very satisfied). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 5±1 months (range=4-6 months), significantly improved function was noted by all patients, with a mean Likert scale of 9.2±0.45 (preoperative score=2.8±0.8, p=0.0079). These results are in line with the radiological results, showing an improved internal nasal valve angle (preoperative=26.2°±1.8° vs. postoperative=32.3°±1.2°, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that besides nasal appearance, nasal function can also be dramatically improved after preservation rhinoplasty.