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The nasal soft triangles are extremely vulnerable subunits of the nose that are prone to severe unaesthetic deformities. A technique to overcome these problems, comprising an effective simple modification of the shield graft, is presented. Using this technique, many existing soft triangle deformities, notches, and defects are easily restored. It may also be applied effectively in susceptible cases in order to avoid these complications. This article presents technical details and the cases of two patients treated with the technique, which indicate its potential utility.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate four standard techniques for radix augmentation during primary rhinoplasty: Skoog, crushed septal cartilage, temporalis fascia, and crushed cartilage wrapped in temporalis fascia. The main criterion for a patient to be included in this study was the need for radix augmentation, which was determined through preoperative evaluations. All patients requiring total dorsal augmentation were excluded from the study. This study included 63 rhinoplasty patients who underwent radix augmentation. The Skoog technique was applied in 15 patients, crushed septal cartilage in 16, temporalis fascia in 17, and crushed cartilage wrapped in temporalis fascia in 15. In those undergoing the Skoog technique, sharp edges of graft were palpable in three patients and were even visible in one patient. In the crushed cartilage group, seven patients showed irregularities during the postoperative follow-up. The results of this study indicate that all four autologous grafts represent acceptable graft material for radix augmentation. The algorithm suggests using the easier techniques first and that secondary donor sites should be considered only when the ideal result is not achieved.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a component columella augmentation technique in cleft nose rhinoplasty. This prospective study included rhinoplasty procedures in bilateral cleft nose patients treated by component columella augmentation technique. After surgery, all patients were followed up daily for the first week, and then at 1 month and 6 months postoperative. The following four parameters were assessed: nasal tip projection, infratip lobule length, infratip lobule-to-base distance, and columella-labial angle. Thirteen rhinoplasty patients were included. Tip projection was increased (5.6±3.5mm) in all cases postoperatively (P0.05); the increase was seen mostly in the lobule-to-base length (4.5±0.4mm), with a minimal change in lobule length (1.1±3.6mm). Preoperative and postoperative lobule lengths were not statistically different (P0.05). With this technique, it is not necessary to involve the upper and lower lips. Therefore, the non-aesthetic vertical scars and tissue distortion that may occur with local flaps are easily avoided. Compared to composite augmentation, each part of the deformity (cartilage and skin) is precisely and separately restored with this technique.

Many methods and techniques have been proposed for the assessment of the nasal valve, most requiring special equipment. Furthermore the main focus has been on the internal valve, while the role of the external nasal valve (ENV) has usually been underestimated. An index to assess ENV is presented herein. Two photographs of the basal view of the nose are taken, one in the resting position and the other after deep inspiration. These two life-size views are used to calculate the External Nasal Valve Efficacy Index (ENVE Index). Using simple software, the surface area of the nostril in the resting view (A) and breathing view (B) is measured. The ENVE Index is calculated by dividing the deep inspiration surface area by the resting surface area (B/A). The clinical indications for the use of the ENVE Index include rhinoplasty treatment planning, postoperative evaluation to assess the effects of surgery with regard to improvement or deterioration of the airway, and orthognathic surgery and the planning of appropriate postoperative care (such as elastic or intermaxillary fixation) according to the airway patency. The ENVE Index is a relatively simple, reproducible, and documentable test. This index can help the surgeon to make better decisions during treatment planning and postoperative care.

The spreader graft is a longitudinal graft placed between the dorsal septum and the upper lateral cartilage in a submucoperichondrial pocket. This graft has functional and aesthetic indications. Although placement and suturing of the spreader graft to the septum is an easy part of rhinoplasty for the experienced surgeon, it can be difficult and time-consuming for young surgeons. Here we suggest a very simple technique for easier placement and suturing of spreader grafts.