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

Abstract

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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 degrees 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 degrees, 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. Conclusion: 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.