Modified Septal Extension Graft for the Correction of Nasal Tip and Columella

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The nose of most Koreans is characterized as a low nasal dorsum, retracted columella, and an acute columella-labial angle. For the surgical correction of the tip and columella, a modified septal extension graft, along with augmentation rhinoplasty has been developed. METHODS: With this technique, a septal extension graft is fixed on the entire caudal margin of the septum (the cephalic-caudal axis) and at the same time, it is placed above the anterior nasal spine, in the membranous portion of the septum and at the base of the columella(the anterior-posterior axis). The present report describes the results obtained in 13 patients and offers an analysis of the results as judged by the columella- labial angle and 4 proportional indices(nose height index, nasal bridge length index, nasal tip projection index, columella length index), measured by photogrammetry. RESULTS: The postoperative values obtained in these 5 categories increased significantly compared to the preoperative ones, thus confirming that the projection of tip was augmented, the nose was lengthened, and the columella was advanced caudally and lengthened. Moreover, these positive outcomes were still maintained during the follow-up period, and no side effects, such as saddle nose deformity, were reported. CONCLUSION: A modified septal extension graft can be considered as an effective method for the surgical correction of the nasal tip and columella in Koreans.