Simplified Septal Stabilization in Closed-Approach Low-Septal-Resection Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Background Septal fixation is a basic step in low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Inadequate septal stabilization can lead to supratip depression or more severe saddle nose deformity. This paper presents a simple surgical maneuver to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage instead of suture fixation to the anterior nasal spine. Methods Thirty patients who underwent closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty between July and December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Depending on the surgical maneuver performed to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage, the patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: (1) a group in which the septum was stabilized with transfixion sutures (the transfixion suture group) and (2) a group in which the septum was fixed to the anterior nasal spine with suture (the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group). Standardized postoperative 12-month lateral-view photographs were scanned for the presence of supratip depression or saddle nose deformity that may indicate insufficient septum stabilization. Results Supratip depression was observed in 1 patient in the transfixion suture group (n = 16) and in 1 patient in the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group (n = 14; P > 0.05). No saddle nose deformity was observed in either group. Conclusions Transfixion sutures seem effective in providing septal stabilization to prevent supratip depression or saddle nose deformity in closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Transfixion sutures can be used for septal stabilization in closed-approach rhinoplasty, allowing the surgeon to take advantage of the ease of placement.