Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty in Asian Hump Noses

Abstract

Summary: Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty, which preserves the bony-cartilaginous junction and the keystone area, has been gaining popularity in Western countries for hump nose correction. The authors aimed to report the feasibility, surgical outcome, and technical considerations of dorsal preservation rhinoplasty in Asian hump nose correction. A retrospective case series study was performed on nine patients who had undergone primary dorsal preservation rhinoplasty for hump nose correction. Rhinoplasty was performed by the senior author (H.R.J.) from March of 2019 to December of 2021. Clinical charts, graphic operation records, and standardized photographs of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Operations were performed using an open approach in all patients. Either the push-down technique (n = 3) or the let-down technique (n = 6) was used for dorsal preservation. All patients underwent tip modification, with or without radix grafting, together with dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Bony step-off camouflage at the transverse osteotomy site was required in three patients. After surgery, both the nasofacial and rhinion angles exhibited significant changes (P = 0.008). In all cases, hump reduction was successful, without recurrence or saddle nose, and no major complications occurred. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results. Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty seems to be a viable option for correcting Asian hump noses. Technical considerations include a preference for the open approach; camouflage of bony step-off deformity; and strategic management of the septal cartilage, in consideration of tip modification.