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PART V
AESTHETIC SURGERY
CHAPTER 48 RHINOPLASTY
JEFFREY E. JANIS, JAMIL AHMAD, AND ROD J. ROHRICH
INTRODUCTION
Rhinoplasty is challenging. Over the past 20 years, the trend has
shifted from ablative techniques involving reduction or division of the
osseocartilaginous framework to techniques that conserve native
anatomy. Cartilage sparing suture techniques and augmentation of
deficient areas to correct contour deformities and restore structural
support are commonly employed.1 The rhinoplasty surgeon must
understand the underlying anatomy and have the ability to perform
nasofacial analysis to determine the operative plan and the training to
execute techniques that manipulate bone, cartilage, and soft tissue.
These skills are augmented by an aesthetic eye in order to produce a
result that blends harmoniously with the rest of the face.
NASAL ANATOMY
The nose consists of external skin and soft tissue, underlying
osseocartilaginous framework, and ligamentous support. Familiarity with
the native morphology and potential variations of each structure is
essential. Furthermore, the dynamic interplay between these components
must be appreciated.
Skin
The nasal skin is not uniform; its thickness, mobility, and sebaceous
character vary along the length of the nose. 2 The skin of the upper two-
thirds is thinner, averaging 1,300 m versus the lower one-third, which
averages 2,400 m.3 The upper two-thirds is also more mobile and less
sebaceous than the skin of the nasal tip. It is important to note that a
straight dorsum is actually produced by the underlying convexity in the
osseocartilaginous framework combined with the aforementioned
variation in dorsal skin thickness.
Skin character also varies between ethnic subpopulations. 4-6 Even
minor alterations of the underlying framework will be visible
through thin skin, whereas thicker skin will tend to obscure the
underlying details and require more aggressive manipulation in
order to achieve the desired result.
Muscle
While there are several muscles in the nose, two muscles are
particularly important in rhinoplastythe levator labii alaeque nasi and
the depressor septi nasi. The levator labii alaeque nasi assists in
maintaining the patency of the external nasal valve, while the depressor
septi nasi acts to shorten the upper lip and decrease tip projection
The effects of an overactive depressor septi must be appreciated as part
of the preoperative nasofacial analysis and can be recognized by a
depressed nasal tip and shortened upper lip upon animation (especially
when smiling). In the subgroup of patients in which this muscle
significantly alters the nasal appearance, a dissection and transposition of
this muscle can be performed.7
Blood Supply
The blood supply to the nose is derived both from branches of the
ophthalmic artery and from branches of the facial artery (Figure 48.1).
Columellar branches are present in 68.2% of patients.8-10 These branches
are transected in the open approach by the transcolumellar incision. This
leaves the lateral nasal and dorsal nasal arteries as the remaining blood
supply to the tip if the open approach is used. To that end, extended alar
resections are avoided, as the lateral nasal artery is found 2 to 3 mm
above the alar groove. Furthermore, extensive debulking of the nasal tip
is avoided as the subdermal plexus may be injured leading to skin
necrosis.
The veins and lymphatics lie in a subcutaneous plane, which is
superficial to the musculoaponeurotic layer in which the arteries travel. In
the open approach, the dissection is performed in the
submusculoaponeurotic plane just above the perichondrium in order to
avoid injury to all of these structures. In this way, both bleeding and
postoperative edema are minimized.
Osseocartilaginous Framework
The osseocartilaginous nasal framework is comprised of three
separate vaults: the bony vault, the upper cartilaginous vault, and the
lower cartilaginous vault. The bony vault is made up of the paired nasal
bones and the frontal processes of the maxilla, which constitute the upper
third to half of the nose. The thickness of the bones varies, with the
thickest portion just above the level of the canthus. As a result,
osteotomies are rarely indicated above this level.
The upper cartilaginous framework, or midvault, is comprised of the
paired upper lateral cartilages (ULCs) and dorsal cartilaginous septum. It
begins at the keystone area, where the nasal bones overlap the ULCs.
Normally, this is the widest part of the dorsum and resembles a T shape
in cross section (Figures 48.2A and B).
FIGURE 48.1. Blood supply to the nose.
FIGURE 48.8. The face is divided into thirds, using horizontal lines
tangent to the hairline, brow, nasal base, and chin.
7. The alar rims are examined for symmetry. They should normally
flare slightly outward in an inferolateral direction (Figure 48.14).
8. The tip is assessed by drawing two equilateral triangles with their
bases opposed (Figure 48.15). The supratip break, tip-defining points,
and columellar-lobular angle serve as landmarks. If these triangles are
asymmetric, the patient will likely require tip modification.
9. The final assessment on frontal view is of the outline of the alar
rims and the columella. Normally, this outline should resemble a seagull
in gentle flight. If the angles are too steep, the patient likely has an
increased infratip lobular height. Conversely, if the angle/curve is too
flattened, it is likely the patient has decreased columellar show, which
may require columellar and/or alar rim modification (Figure 48.16).
FIGURE 48.9. The ideal nasal length is equivalent to the stomion- to-
menton distance. A, ala; M, menton; R, radix; S, stoma; T, tip.
FIGURE 48.10. The ideal lower lip position is 2 mm behind a vertical
line dropped from a point half the ideal nasal length along the natural
horizontal facial plane.
10. The basal view of the nose is examined focusing on the outline of
the nasal base and the nostrils themselves. The outline of the nasal base
should describe an equilateral triangle with a lobule-to-nostril ratio of 1:2
(Figure 48.17). The nostril itself should have a teardrop geometry, with
the long axis oriented in a slight medial direction (from base to apex).
FIGURE 48.11. Symmetry is determined by drawing a vertical line
from the midglabellar area to the menton.
FIGURE 48.12. The curvilinear dorsal aesthetic lines extend from the
supraorbital ridges to the tip-defining points.
FIGURE 48.13. A. The normal alar base width equals
the intercanthal distance, or the width of one eye. B. The bony base
should be approximately 80% of the alar base width.
11. Attention is turned to the lateral view, beginning with analysis of
the nasofrontal angle. This angle connects the brow and nasal dorsum
through a soft concave curve. The apex of this angle (radix) should lie
between the supratarsal fold and the upper lid lashes, with the eyes in
primary gaze. The nasofrontal angle can vary between 128 and 140,
but is ideally approximately 134 in females and 130 in males.
12. It is important to note that the perceived nasal length and tip
projection can be altered by the position of the nasofrontal angle. For
instance, the nose appears longer if the nasofrontal angle is positioned
more anteriorly and superiorly than normal. In this instance, the
nasofacial angle (as defined by the junction of the nasal dorsum with the
vertical facial plane) is decreased and the tip projection will appear
diminished (yellow line). Conversely, the nose can appear shorter if the
nasofrontal angle is positioned too posteriorly and/or inferiorly. In this
case, the tip may also appear more projecting (red line; Figure 48.18).
Ideally, the nasofacial angle should measure 32 to 37.
13. While still analyzing the lateral view, tip projection is addressed.
This can be done in two ways. The first is to draw a horizontal line from
the alar-cheek junction to the tip of the nose. The distance between these
points should equal two things: (1) the alar base width, and (2) 0.67 R-
T (radix-to-tip) (Figures 48.19A and B). The second way to assess tip
projection is to examine how much of the tip lies anterior to a vertical line
tangent to the most projecting part of the upper lip vermillion. If 50% to
60% of the tip lies anterior to this line, projection is considered normal. If
the tip projection is outside of these proportions, it likely will require tip
modification (Figure 48.20).
FIGURE 48.14. The alar rims should flare outward inferolaterally.
14. The dorsum is analyzed by drawing a line from the radix to the
tip-defining points. In women, the ideal aesthetic nasal dorsum should lie
approximately 2 mm behind and parallel to this line, but in men, it should
approach this line to avoid feminizing the nose (Figure 48.21).
15. The degree of supratip break is also evaluated on the lateral
view. This break helps to define the nose and separate the tip from the
dorsum. A slight supratip break is preferred in women but not in men.
16. The degree of tip rotation is assessed by evaluating the
nasolabial angle, which is the angle formed between a line coursing
through the most anterior and posterior edges of the nostril and a plumb
line dropped perpendicular to the natural horizontal facial plane (Figure
48.22). This angle is usually 95 to 100 in women and between 90 and
95 in men.
17. The nasolabial angle is often confused with the columellar-lobular
angle, which is formed at the junction of the columella with the infratip
lobule (Figure 48.23). This angle is normally 30 to 45. A prominent
caudal septum can cause increased fullness in this area, which can give
the illusion of increased rotation, despite a normal nasolabial angle.
FIGURE 48.15. Tip assessment is performed by analyzing two
equilateral triangles with opposing bases.
FIGURE 48.16. The outline of the alar rims and columella should
resemble a seagull in gentle flight.
FIGURE 48.19. A. Tip projection should equal alar base width. B. Tip
projection should also equal 0.67 R-T (radix-to-tip).
FIGURE 48.20. About 50% to 60% of the tip should lie anterior to a
vertical line tangent to the most projecting part of the upper lip
vermillion.
Inferior Turbinoplasty
An inferior turbinoplasty is performed in those patients with inferior
turbinate hypertrophy causing symptomatic nasal airway
obstruction.11,16,17 In most cases, outfracture of the inferior turbinate
is adequate. With more significant inferior turbinate hypertrophy,
submucous morselization of the turbinate bone and submucous resection
of the anterior one-third to one-half of the inferior turbinate may be
required. Submucous resection technique begins with the development of
medial mucoperiosteal flaps, which exposes the conchal bone. The
anterior portion of the conchal bone is resected, while the posterior
portion is preserved to avoid bleeding complications. The flaps are
replaced after this resection without the need for suture repair.
Cephalic Trim
Indications for a cephalic trim of the LLCs include the need for tip
rotation, medialization of the tip-defining points, and/or the tip requiring
better refinement and definition as in the case of the boxy or bulbous
tip.42-44 A caliper is used to measure a 6 mm rim strip of the caudal
margin of the LLC that is to be preserved. Subsequently, the cephalic
portion of the middle and lateral crura is resected and preserved for
possible use as a graft later in the case.
Lower Lateral Crural Turnover Flap
A lower lateral crural turnover flap is a useful technique to address
paradomal fullness while providing additional support to the LLCs (Figure
48.26).21 It is beneficial for deformities, weakness, and collapse of the
lower lateral crura and can also be used to improve lower lateral crural
strength during tip reshaping.
Spreader Grafts and Autospreader Flaps
Spreader grafts are extraordinarily versatile and can be used to help
stent open the internal valve, to stabilize the septum, and to preserve or
enhance the dorsal aesthetic lines (Figure 48.27).45,46 These grafts,
usually obtained from septal cartilage, are fashioned to measure
approximately 25 to 30 mm by 3 mm. They can also be made longer and
placed in such a way as to project past the anterior septal angle,
effectively lengthening the nose. They can also be positioned more
anteriorly (i.e., visible) along the septum in order to recreate stronger
dorsal aesthetic lines or can be positioned lower (i.e., invisible) for septal
support or internal valve stenting. The grafts are secured with 5-0 PDS in
a horizontal mattress fashion.
FIGURE 48.29. Medial crural sutures can unify the medial crura and
help stabilize the columellar strut. Medial crural-septal sutures anchor the
medial crura to the caudal septum and can alter both projection and
rotation.
Nasal Tip Grafts. Nasal tip grafts are the final step in the algorithm
if more tip projection or definition is desired after the preceding
maneuvers.48 These grafts may take several forms, but have a tendency
to become visible in the long term regardless of the specific type used.
Tip grafts are reserved for the patient in whom the prior, more
predictable, methods do not result in satisfactory tip refinement and
projection. There are three general types of tip grafts:
Onlay tip grafts
Infratip lobular graft
Combination tip graft
The onlay tip graft is usually placed over the dome of the middle crura
and can be fashioned from any type of cartilage54,55; the cartilage obtained
from the cephalic trim harvest (if performed) works exceptionally well
(Figure 48.32).56
The infratip lobular graft is a shield-shaped graft used to increase
infratip lobular definition and projection. 57,58 It is positioned with its
superior margin overlying the dome/tip-defining points and extends
inferiorly a variable distance (usually 10 to 12 mm). It is fashioned with
rounded graft edges in order to avoid a visible and palpable step-off
(Figure 48.33).
FIGURE 48.32. The onlay tip graft is usually placed over the dome of
the middle crura.
FIGURE 48.33. The infratip lobular graft overlies the dome and
extends inferiorly a variable distance.
Altering Tip Rotation. In order to alter tip rotation, the existing
extrinsic forces stabilizing the tip at its current position must be released.
The first step is usually to perform a cephalic trim, which separates the
connection between ULCs and LLCs. Another technique is to resect a
variable amount of the caudal septum. This releases tension on the nasal
tip and allows for more cephalad rotation by transecting the fibrous
attachments of the medial crura and the caudal septum. This maneuver
can also affect tip projection. After the desired amount of tip rotation has
been achieved, its position is maintained with suture techniques (medial
crural-septal sutures) and/or a columellar strut or septal extension graft.
It may be necessary to perform a limited resection of nasal mucosa
and membranous septum in order to maintain proper nasal balance and
harmony when altering the amount of tip rotation.
FIGURE 48.34. The combination tip graft combines the onlay tip
graft and the infratip lobular graft.
Osteotomies
Several techniques exist in order to perform osteotomies, including
medial, lateral, transverse, and a combination of the above. These can be
performed via an external or internal approach.
Osteotomies are generally performed for the following reasons:
To narrow the lateral walls of the nose
To close an open roof deformity (after dorsal hump reduction)
To create symmetry by allowing for straightening of the nasal bony
framework
Contraindications include patients with short nasal bones, elderly
patients with thin, fragile nasal bones, and patients with heavy
eyeglasses.59-66
Lateral osteotomies may be performed as low-to-high, low-to-low,
or a double level (Figure 48.35). Furthermore, they may be combined
with medial, transverse, or greenstick fractures of the upper bony
segment. Regardless of the technique used, however, it is paramount to
preserve Websters triangle. This bony triangular area of the caudal
aspect of the maxillary frontal process is necessary for a patent
airway. Preservation of this triangle prevents functional nasal
airway obstruction (Figure 48.36).
A step-off deformity is prevented by maintaining a smooth fracture
line low along the bony vault. The cephalic margin of the osteotomy
should not be higher than the medial canthal ligament, as the
thick nasal bones above this area increase the technical difficulty,
and it is possible to cause iatrogenic injury to the lacrimal system
with resultant epiphora.
A low-to-high osteotomy begins low at the pyriform aperture and
ends high medially on the dorsum and is generally used to correct a
small open roof deformity or to mobilize a moderately wide nasal base.
The nasal bones are then medialized by a gentle greenstick fracture along
predictable fracture patterns obtained based on nasal bone thickness. 59-
61
Thicker nasal bones may require a separate superior oblique osteotomy
in order to mobilize them enough to be greensticked.
A low-to-low osteotomy starts low along the pyriform aperture and
continues low along the base of the bony vault to end up in a lateral
position along the dorsum near the intercanthal line. It is generally
considered a more powerful technique in that it results in more significant
medialization of the nasal bones and therefore is classically used when
there is a large open roof deformity or if a wide bony base requires
correction. This type of osteotomy technique is frequently accompanied
by a medial osteotomy in order to better mobilize the nasal bones to
achieve the desired result.
Medial osteotomies are used to facilitate medial positioning of the
nasal bones and are generally indicated in patients with thick nasal bones
or a wide bony base in order to achieve a more predictable fracture
pattern. Although medial osteotomies are frequently used in combination
with lateral osteotomies, it is not necessary to use both in all cases. If
both techniques are performed, however, the medial osteotomy is
performed first as this makes it technically easier to perform the
subsequent lateral osteotomy. The cant of the medial osteotomy can be
oriented in a medial oblique, paramedian, or transverse direction.
Regardless of the cant, the cephalic end of the osteotomy still should not
cross the intercanthal line for the reasons previously discussed. It is also
important to avoid placing the medial osteotomy too far medially as this
can cause a rocker deformity, where a widened upper dorsum results
from the fractured nasal bone kicking out. This can be avoided by
following a superior oblique angle (Figures 48.37A and B).