New Instruments and Techniques for Obtaining Septal Cartilage in Rhinoplasties

ABSTRACT

A symmetric approach, using external rhinoplasty, is presented to aid the plastic surgeon in obtaining improved aesthetic and functional results in patients with postoperative nasal deformities. The external approach yields a full visualization of the underlying nasal framework and intraoperative evaluation of the deformities to be corrected subsequently. The nasal septal cartilage is unequivocally one of the best graft sources for reconstruction of the dorsum, columella or tip. It has fairly even surface and pliability in carving and shaping the graft. The graft can be obtained during the surgery with less morbidity and prepared easily for need of the shape. The only real disadvantage is the limited amount of cartilage that can be obtained from the septum. The dorsal and caudal rims, one or more cm in width, of the nasal septum should not be disturbed to maintain the nasal frame during harvesting the septal graft. Authors invented novel instruments, J & D knife and Flat (Spatula) suction tip, and have employed the devices for harvesting the septal cartilage. We were unable to gain enough amount of the cartilage by using a swivel knife or cartilage scissors. The septal cartilage can be resected as much as needed with newly invented instruments which facilitate a separation(method) technique.