ABSTRACT
A normal alar-columellar relationship is crucial for lower third finesse in rhinoplasty. Hanging columella is a common complaint in the alar-columellar relationship and membranous septum excision is frequently recommended for its correction. This paper focuses on the role of the membranous septum in achieving a normal alar-columellar relationship. It was aimed to present an algorithm that could be used for aberrancies in the alar-columellar relationship.Ninety-seven patients who underwent closed-approach rhinoplasty between January and December 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Routine tip plasty maneuvers were performed on all patients. Membrane septum excision was not performed in any of the cases. Standardized preoperative and postoperative 12-month lateral view photographs were scanned for hanging or retracted columella.Hanging columella was observed in seven patients preoperatively (n = 97). No hanging or retracted columella was observed postoperatively.Hanging columella can be successfully corrected with alternative surgical maneuvers without excision of the membranous septum in closed-approach rhinoplasty in appropriate cases. Complete preservation of the membranous septum does not cause hanging columella in the postoperative period.
ABSTRACT
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the nasal profile and other craniofacial structures. Lateral cephalometric images of 124 adults were collected for this purpose. Statistical analyses such as regression analysis and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were conducted on nasal and craniofacial anatomical parameters and their relationships. The regression analysis revealed that nasal length was related to maxillary height; nasal depth was related to the position of the maxilla and anterior cranial base length; and nasal base angle was related to upper dentoalveolar height. CCA revealed that nasal parameters (nasal length, depth, and hump) correlated more strongly with craniofacial parameters (maxillary height, anterior-posterior position of the maxilla, and maxillary length). Individuals with maxillary development curved anteriorly upwards had a straighter and smaller nasal profile, while those with maxillary development curved posteriorly downwards had a more arched and large nasal profile. The shape of the nasal dorsum was affected by the maxillomandibular rotation, while the increase in nasal base inclination was accompanied by an upward rotation of the maxillary plane, an increase in the upper dentoalveolar height, and an increase in the lower facial height. While it was observed that each nasal parameter was correlated with the underlying craniofacial structures to some extent, it was also observed that it would be more useful to evaluate the cumulative effects posed by craniofacial parameters. Various combinations of skeletal and dental structures are related to the nasal profile in varying forms and knowing these relationships will help reshape the face and provide aesthetic harmony.
