ABSTRACT
Objective:To introduce a modified stent technique of nasal septal extension graft (SEG) with auricle cartilage, and to explore its effect on rhinoplasty.Methods:For 116 patients that underwent rhinoplasty, the cartilage of bilateral auricula was sutured with shell alignment and the dovetail was modified to prepare SEG stent; PTFE or silicone prosthesis was used for nasal dorsal graft. The patients were follow up for 6-18 months after surgery. A number of indicators including length of nose, tip projection, nasal tip and nasolabial angle morphology were used to assess surgical outcomes.Results:The 116 patients obtained satisfactory appearance immediately after operation. Length of nasal extension was 3-6 mm, tip projection was extended by 2-5 mm. Following up for 6-18 months showed stable effect (0.5-1.5 mm retraction) and satisfactory nose tip and nasolabial angle. The skin color was normal. No deformity occured in the ear cartilage donor area existed with no obvious scar.Conclusions:The modified SEG stent of auricle cartilage has good support and stability. It has a good effect on the slight and moderate extension of the short nose. In addition, the elevation of the nasal tip and the severe short nose of the first rhinoplasty and secondary rhinoplasty with mild contracture are also improved.