Labiocolumellar Graft Combined with Tip Graft in the Management of Inadequate Tip Projection

The short distance of the nasal tip from the alar crease indicates inadequate projection. Tip grafts are commonly used for the management of this problem. In addition to tip grafts, labiocolumellar augmentation by cartilage grafts also provides further elevation of the tip complex for patients with poor tip definition, excessive alar base width, inadequate tip projection, or plunging nasal tip. In addition to standard rhinoplasty procedure and tip grafting for nasal tip augmentation, a linear cartilage graft was inserted centrally just behind the labiocolumellar angle for further tip elevation. The graft was placed in the subdermal plane just anterior to the orbicularis oris muscle to prevent graft displacement and clicking during muscle motion. This procedure was performed for 45 rhinoplasty patients, only three of whom underwent tip plasty procedures alone. During 1 year, 43 patients were followed up. Most of the patients (75%) were satisfied with the results of the procedure. Tip graft combined with labiocolumellar graft is an effective technique for obtaining satisfactory tip projection and correcting the acute labiocolumellar angle.