Triple Cartilage Combining Suture Technique in Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Background The nasal tip position and shape is critical to the overall view of the external nose and is significant in planning rhinoplasty procedures. This study was designed to review our experience in nasal tip surgery and to describe our own version of the suture technique in patients having endonasal rhinoplasty. Methods The technique is typically used in combination with other septorhinoplasty maneuvers to achieve the desired functional and cosmetic result. A telephone survey is designed aiming to give general information about the technique's outcomes. Results Our technique reduces excess columellar show and provides adjustable controlled nasal tip rotation and projection. The survey conducted among patients followed > 1 year revealed that most patients (84 of 96) were very to completely satisfied with the appearance and symmetry of their nose. Of these 84 patients, 48 were very satisfied and 36 were completely satisfied with the result. Two patients who required revision surgery were somewhat and moderately satisfied. Conclusion We present this technique to share our experience in modifying the widely accepted “tongue-in-groove” technique in septorhinoplasty. The figure eight-shaped suture, which avoids making the nose too stiff, is the main difference of our method.