C. Spencer Cochran

Prevention and Management of Rhinoplasty Complications

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Identify potential hemorrhagic, infectious, traumatic, functional, or aesthetic complications arising from rhinoplasty. 2. Gain a better understanding of the prevention of these complications. 3. Have a thorough knowledge of the principles of postoperative management of these complications, so as to minimize their deleterious effects and preserve aesthetic outcomes in rhinoplasty. Summary: Meticulous attention to detail in the operating room and in the postoperative period is paramount to achieving success in rhinoplasty. Nevertheless, both complications and suboptimal results do occur, even for experienced surgeons.

Restorative rhinoplasty in the aging patient

Objective: The objective of this study is to review our favorable experience in performing rhinoplasty in aging patients.

Management of intraoperative fractures of the nasal septal "L-strut": percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation.

Background: The area where the septal cartilage joins the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid is a vulnerable region where overresection or disruption during rhinoplasty causes a loss of support and potential collapse of the nasal dorsum, leading to a saddle-nose deformity. Previously described methods of repair involve suture techniques that are often inadequate to restore septal stability. The authors present the senior author’s (J. P. G.) experience in managing intraoperative fractures of the septal “L-strut,” describe a classification system for the types of dorsal septal L-strut fractures, and present a new method of treatment using percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 1372 primary and secondary rhinoplasties performed by the senior author. A classification system was developed to describe the type and location of dorsal septal L-strut fractures. Each patient was treated with immediate restabilization of the fractured dorsal septal L-strut with dorsal spreader grafts, percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation, or a combination of both methods. Results: Seventeen patients sustained an intraoperative fracture of the septal L-strut with an overall incidence of 1.2 percent. Complications included minor dorsal deviation and inadequate reduction/moderate dorsal depression in three patients requiring revision surgery to correct the dorsal deformities. Conclusions: An intraoperative fracture of the septal L-strut is a rare but unfortunate occurrence during rhinoplasty. Although technically difficult to perform, the percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation technique with or without spreader grafts is a novel and effective approach to this complication.

Secondary Rhinoplasty and the Use of Autogenous Rib Cartilage Grafts

Postoperative rhinoplasty deformities--such as displacement or distortion of anatomic structures, inadequate surgery resulting in under-resection of the nasal framework, or over-resection caused by overzealous surgery--require a secondary rhinoplasty. Success in secondary rhinoplasty, therefore, relies on an accurate clinical diagnosis and analysis of the nasal deformities, a thorough operative plan to address each abnormality, and a meticulous surgical technique. Septal cartilage is the grafting material of choice for rhinoplasty; however, auricular cartilage and rib cartilage are used in secondary rhinoplasty. This article discusses the steps involved in the external approach to secondary rhinoplasty.

Auricular cartilage: harvest technique and versatility in rhinoplasty

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS This study aims to present an improved technique for auricular cartilage harvest that maximizes graft volume while preserving auricular cosmesis. Also discussed is the versatility of auricular cartilage utilization in rhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of a single surgeons experience. METHODS All auricular cartilage harvest and rhinoplasty operations performed by the senior author (CSC) from December 2006 through December 2009 cartilage were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-two cases were identified in which the described technique was used to harvest auricular cartilage for the purpose of functional or aesthetic rhinoplasty. There was sufficient tissue harvested in all operations, and no patients required costal cartilage harvest. Pain at the donor site after surgery was minimal and well controlled with oral medication. There were no donor-site complications and no cases of wound infection. CONCLUSIONS The proposed technique allows for optimal auricular cartilage harvest. By applying this method, the ear retains the preoperative appearance while the surgeon is able to obtain the largest graft possible. Auricular cartilage is a versatile source of grafting material in primary and secondary rhinoplasty.

Rethinking nasal osteotomies: an anatomic approach.

Objectives: To review our experience with our anatomic (medial, transverse, and lateral) nasal osteotomy technique for correcting the asymmetric bony nasal vault in esthetic and functional rhinoplasty.

Current Concepts in the Postoperative Care of the Rhinoplasty Patient

Abstract: This is a systematic review of the available literature and our own personal experience regarding the optimal management of the rhinoplasty patient. The routine utilization of nasal splinting, casting and perioperative antibiotics is supported. The management of a number of common early complications is also discussed. Meticulous technique based on sound structural principles and coupled with preoperative planning and attention to wound care will result in a favorable outcome in most individuals undergoing rhinoplasty.

Tragal cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty: A viable alternative in the graft-depleted patient

OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple technique for harvesting tragal cartilage and describe its use in rhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Rhinoplasties performed between January 2005 and June 2007 in which tragal cartilage grafts were utilized by the senior author (CSC) were reviewed to assess type of graft, preservation of tragal contour, and donor-site morbidity. RESULTS: Tragal cartilage grafts were used in three primary and three secondary rhinoplasty patients. Postoperative follow-up ranged from six months to 12 months. Tragal cartilage was used as five alar contour grafts, one lateral crural onlay graft, one dorsal onlay graft, and one infratip lobule graft. Tragal cartilage was used to close the septal perforation of one patient. Tragal contour was preserved in all patients, and there were no complications noted with this procedure. CONCLUSION: The tragus provides a simple, convenient alternative source of cartilage for rhinoplasty in graft-depleted patients.

Reply: use of the ultrasonic bone aspirator for lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty.

Summary: There remains considerable debate over the optimal method and approach to performing lateral osteotomies. Current methods rely on mechanical energy for performance of osteotomies, which can lead to soft-tissue injury and/or disruption of the bony or cartilaginous framework. The authors report the novel use of an ultrasonic bone aspirator device for performance of lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty. The authors have found this technology to be safe and effective in a series of five consecutive patients. The main benefits of the device include avoidance of soft-tissue/mucosal injury, minimal bleeding/bruising, and the ability to avoid mechanical force to create bony cuts, which can destabilize the bony and/or cartilaginous construct of the nose. Being able to minimize tissue trauma with its associated morbidity while maintaining efficacy makes the ultrasonic bone aspirator an attractive option for lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty that warrants further investigation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Extended Alar Contour Grafts: An Evolution of the Lateral Crural Strut Graft Technique in Rhinoplasty

Summary: Modification of the lower lateral cartilage complex is the sine qua non of modern rhinoplasty, and the open approach to rhinoplasty has expanded the number of techniques available to help achieve an aesthetically pleasing tip. The ideal tip has been described as having a diamond-shaped configuration, with the lateral points formed by the tip-defining points, the superior point by the supratip, and the inferior point by the columellar break point. Over the years, various techniques have been described to minimize isolation of the tip and to help achieve the ideal tip configuration: lateral crural strut grafts, alar contour grafts (i.e., rim grafts), alar strut grafts, subdomal grafts, and suturing techniques such as alar flaring sutures. The authors present their technique of the extended alar contour graft, which represents an evolution of the lateral crural strut graft and its marriage with the alar contour graft. Lateral crural abnormalities do not usually occur singularly, but rather are the result of an interplay of several factors. Nevertheless, the recurring theme of orientation and alar support to prevent isolation of the tip by extended alar grooves remains. Extended alar contour grafts are a versatile technique to optimize tip shape and orientation by combining the many positive attributes of lateral crural strut grafts and alar contour grafts.