The dorsal columellar strut: Innovative use of dorsal hump removal for a columellar strut

Rod J. Rohrich, Jerome H. Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Dorsal hump reduction is a common complaint among primary cosmetic rhinoplasty patients. Newer techniques for addressing the dorsal hump focus on the preservation, reinforcement, or modification of existing structures. Objectives: The authors describe their technique of a "dorsal columellar strut," an innovative use of dorsal nasal cartilage from hump removal for a columellar strut. Combined with other cartilage-conserving techniques, this forgoes the morbidity and operative time of a septal cartilage harvest while preserving-and possibly increasing-tip support. Methods: Candidates for this procedure are selected based on a number of criteria. Ideally, the patient is one who requires 3 mm or more of dorsal hump reduction with tip reshaping and refinement. Each patient is treated using the open technique with a stair-step columellar incision, combined with an infracartilaginous incision. Results: With the addition of the authors cartilage-conserving techniques (autospreader flap, lower lateral turnover, and tip suturing), patients experience successful reshaping of the middle vault and nasal tip. Conclusions: In well-selected patients, the authors have found their technique to be efficient, effective, and aesthetic. The precise dorsal reduction allows surgeons to use the cartilage fragment as a dorsal columellar strut, foregoing the standard septal harvest and reducing operative time and patient morbidity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-35
Number of pages6
JournalAesthetic surgery journal
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2010

Keywords

  • columellar strut
  • component dorsal reduction
  • dorsal hump
  • dorsal hump reduction
  • hump reduction
  • rhinoplasty

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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