Rhinoplasty Dissection Planes (Subcutaneous, Sub-SMAS, Supra-perichondral, and Sub-perichondral) and Soft Tissues Management

Alar Preservation Principles: Alar Hinge Flaps

Preservation rhinoplasty is a groundbreaking advancement increasingly embraced by surgeons worldwide, applicable to a diverse range of nasal anatomies, including the preservation of alar cartilages. Its growing popularity stems from the principle that preserving nasal structures, rather than removing and reconstructing them, results in a more natural appearance and fewer long-term complications. Alar preservation procedures, which focus on maintaining the integrity of alar cartilaginous structures and various nasal tip ligaments, have evolved through reevaluating and refining older techniques with insights from recent anatomic studies.

Double-Tunnel Creation in Mucoperichondrial-Mucoperiosteal Septal Flap to Preserve the Sagittal Stability of Dorsal Components in Rhinoplasty

Removal of the dorsal hump in structural rhinoplasty disarticulates the upper lateral cartilages (ULCs) from the septum, resulting in a loss of control over the medial and posterior displacement of the lateral nasal walls. This consequently leads to disruption of the dorsal aesthetic lines (DALs) in oblique and frontal views. The inability to control this disadvantage has been a major factor driving the search for alternative approaches, such as dorsal preservation rhinoplasty, over the past decade. We propose a novel technique for creating a double tunnel within the mucoperichondrial-mucoperiosteal septal flap to achieve reliable control over the vertical positioning of dorsal components. This method has been applied in over 2,000 cases, demonstrating favourable outcomes in preserving mid-vault stability while allowing for precise manipulation of the hump and other dorsal characteristics in structural rhinoplasty.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .

The Neo-Pitanguy Ligament: A 3-Flap Technique for Skin Tensioning

BACKGROUND

Creating a stable, long-lasting supratip break continues to be a challenge, particularly in patients with moderate to severe skin thickness. Multiple techniques have been previously described to address this, including Pitanguy ligament preservation, resuturing, and cartilage frame alterations to increase the tip-to-septal angle differential. Each has noteworthy limitations.

METHODS

The senior author (A.G.) developed a novel technique that uses the native Pitanguy ligament augmented by 2 bilateral, medially based superficial musculoaponeurotic system/soft-tissue flaps. This reduces supratip dead space and prevents tissue glide while controlling supratip/tip shape and position.

RESULTS

Twenty-six primary rhinoplasties in which the supratip and tip skin sleeve was of appropriate thickness were selected and followed up for 1-year postoperatively. The trilaminar neo-Pitanguy ligament technique was used in all patients. Every patient maintained a varied degree of supratip break at an average follow-up time of 14 months (range, 12 to 16 months). There was 1 revision requiring local anesthesia. No patients requested or were indicated for a return to the operating room. No cases of postoperative pollybeak deformity were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The power of this novel supratip control technique is multidimensional. It allows the surgeon to precisely control the location of supratip break, creating a broad based, diamond-shaped supratip depression. Trilamination with 2 superficial musculoaponeurotic system/soft-tissue flaps provides added strength, control, and long-term stability compared with simple suturing. Soft-tissue tensioning above, around, and below the new tip complex prevents dorsal skin tissue glide and further secures the infratip/columella in the appropriate position.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Pitanguy Ligament Preservation in Structural Precision Rhinoplasty

SUMMARY

The Pitanguy ligament is a crucial structure in nasal tip support and in maintaining the integrity of the soft-tissue envelope of the nose. In this cadaveric study, the authors dissected out the Pitanguy ligament on a series of fresh human cadaver specimens to elucidate the structure of the ligament and its fate in open rhinoplasty. The Pitanguy ligament can act as a tethering force to the nasal tip when reshaping the nasal tip. Release of the Pitanguy ligament alleviated downward tension on the nasal tip, and tip shaping to a more appropriate position demonstrated that this ligament was displaced from its ideal position. In patients seeking rhinoplasty, this structure may require release and reconstruction to successfully alter tip position and avoid supratip deformity.

Improving Postsurgical Management of Rhinoplasty: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Literature

Rhinoseptoplasty addresses both nasal deformities and functional issues. Effective postoperative care is essential for optimal recovery, as complications such as swelling, bruising, and pain can adversely affect healing and patient satisfaction. Proper postoperative care emphasizes the significance of comprehensive management strategies.A systematic literature review was performed utilizing the PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify articles published between 2014 and 2024 that specifically addressed postoperative care following rhinoplasty. Of 191 articles, 22 met the preestablished inclusion criteria. We assessed the quality of evidence according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine's Levels of Evidence.Seven key studies were analyzed, exploring a range of postoperative care interventions, including administering corticosteroids, elevating the head during and after the procedure, using alternative therapeutic approaches, and applying cooling techniques.Postsurgical recovery after rhinoplasty involves managing pain, swelling, and bruising, among other complications. Educating patients about expected outcomes and the healing process helps alleviate their anxiety and uncertainty. Corticosteroids have proven effective in controlling swelling and bruising. Antibiotics are generally not recommended. Silicone septal splints provide support, particularly when stabilization of an injured mucous membrane or septal cartilage is required; however, nasal packing is not recommended. Adhesive strips can help reduce edema in the dorsal and supratip areas. Positioning patients in a 20° reverse Trendelenburg position during surgery, followed by maintaining the head elevated at a 90° angle postoperatively, has significantly reduced edema and ecchymosis. Using a cannula for drainage and cooling techniques has been shown to reduce postoperative morbidity effectively.Rhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery, yet there is no consensus on optimal postoperative care. Key strategies include silicone splints, subperiosteal drainage, nasal taping, cooling, corticosteroids, and intra- and postoperative head elevation. However, further systematic trials are necessary to refine these strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Improving the Supraalar Groove Aesthetic Subunit and Lateral Crura Convex-Concave Deformity

BACKGROUND

Lateral crura surface problems are one of the most difficult challenges in nose tip surgery. Closed preservation rhinoplasty (CPR) is a revolutionary concept that keeps nose tip flexibility and elasticity. By solving lateral crura surface problems and keeping tip flexibility the surgeon will accomplish a sharper supraalar groove transition between the dorsum and the tip.

OBJECTIVES

The convex-concave lateral crura deformity (CCLCD) or S-shaped lateral crura is one of the biggest constraints to accomplishing a beautiful tip and dorsum-tip transition (DTT). This deformity is the reason for the commonly called parenthesis deformity of cephalic malposition. This LLC convex-concave shape creates a C-shaped shadow. This DTT is one of the key areas for accomplishing natural results, and it depends on different nose structures, not just the lower lateral cartilages (LLC).

METHODS

A total of 560 rhinoplasty cases were studied retrospectively between September and December 2023. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients had follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. No secondary rhinoplasty was included. Only 2 secondary septoplasty cases were included, without any nose skin undermining in the previous surgery. Surgical details were documented, including the 6 fundamental steps of this technique: (1) mucosal lower lateral incision, (2) dorsum subperichondral dissection and vertical scroll release, (3) lateral crura tail caudal release, lateral crura steal and slide-under flap lateralization, (4) upper lateral caudal resection, (5) vertical scroll reconstruction, and (6) turning point extension graft.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. In total, 516 patients underwent a closed approach and 47 patients an open approach. All patients had subperichondral dissection of the hump envelope. All patients who underwent a closed approach had a low-strip letdown dorsal preservation technique. All patients who underwent an open approach had a structural technique with spreader flaps or grafts at the keystone area. All the patients underwent osteotomies with a piezoelectric device. Twenty-three revisional surgeries were necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

CPR taught us how important ligament and soft tissue preservation are. We learned that the less damage you do to the nose soft tissues and scaffold, the less support you need for it. Surgeons have been overgrafting the lateral crura to solve postoperative problems mainly because of dissection problems and lack of lateral crura support. This paper describes how to solve lateral crura surface problems, keeping the tip flexible and elastic, and also creating a nice and natural supraalar groove transition, by applying 6 surgical maneuvers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 (THERAPEUTIC)

Comparison of Blunt Force (Mechanical), Piezoelectric, and Electric Instruments in Bony Vault Management

The reshaping of the nasal pyramid has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. Mechanical instruments have been refined to minimize the bone trauma of osteotomies. However, these instruments can inadvertently cause radiated fractures and comminuted fractures, which compromise bone stability and can create surface defects. Electric and piezoelectric instruments (PEI) have been developed to address these issues. PEI instruments are selective unlike electric instruments. These instruments allow for precise rhinosculpture and osteotomies under direct visual control. The article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each method by comparing them for the most frequently performed procedures on the nasal bone pyramid in rhinoplasty.

Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty

Controversies in Preservation Rhinoplasty" explores the nuanced indications, techniques, and challenges in preservation rhinoplasty (PR), featuring contributions from JC Neves, D Toriumi, and A Göksel. Neves recounts his early career under Wilson Dewes and describes the evolution of PR techniques. Toriumi, having started PR in 2019, discusses his initial cautious approach and subsequent expansion to include patients with more diverse nasal deformities. Göksel highlights the critical role of surgical expertise and individualized patient assessment, advocating for methods like dorsum-plasty osteotomies and the Ballerina maneuver to enhance PR's effectiveness.

Manipulation of the Nasal Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System to Enhance Midvault and Supratip Contouring

Background

Management of dorsal dead space and the aesthetics of a supratip break are paramount to achieving reproducible and reliable results in rhinoplasty.

Objectives

The authors present a modified technique of redraping the nasal soft tissue envelope in structural rhinoplasty by utilizing the nasal superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to help obliterate dorsal dead space and restore normal anatomy, thereby enhancing midvault and supratip contouring.

Methods

A standard open rhinoplasty approach is utilized. A planar transition from supraperichondrial to subperichondrial/subperiosteal is completed during the dorsal dissection. The open structural rhinoplasty then proceeds as previously published by the senior author. After any desired tip work is completed, the cephalically based SMAS layer is reconstituted with suture fixation laterally along the caudal border of the upper lateral cartilages. A more robust technical discussion is borne out in the manuscript.

Results

At submission, the senior author has performed >100 rhinoplasties employing this technique over roughly 1 year. Subjectively, patients have had better immediate supratip contour with less residual dorsal soft tissue edema. A case example with photographs is included at a 1 year postoperative time point.

Conclusions

Using this described technique, surgeons can employ an open, structural, approach to rhinoplasty while using restoration of natural anatomy to achieve a refined postoperative result, accentuating supratip break while minimizing dorsal soft tissue dead space.

Level of Evidence 5 Therapeutic

Vascular Perspectives of the Midfacial Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System

Objectives: Presently, data on the vascularization of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face (SMAS) are lacking. Thus, the present study aimed to provide new conclusive data about the topography, density, and relationship of the SMAS blood vessels with other components, namely, the fibrous connective tissue and muscles. Methods: The study included a control lot of 42 cases from the archive of the radiology department. In this group, nuclear magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in order to identify the main sources of vascular supply. In the second group, tissue samples were collected from the midfacial region of 45 patients from the Oro-Maxillo-Facial and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery clinics of 'St. Spiridon' County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi. These patients received surgery for excision of tumoral formations that did not involve SMAS components. These samples underwent micro-CT analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for collagen type III, muscle tissue, and the vascular endothelium. Results: We discovered the particular way in which the SMAS components interrelate with vascularization and the regional differences between them. We have discovered a new vascular network specific to the SMAS, highlighted by both the micro-CT technique and microscopy on slides with special IHC staining. Significant differences were observed in the topographic arrangement, density, and relationships of the microscopic vasculature across midfacial regions. IHC staining provided morphological and functional information about the structure and vascularization of SMAS. Conclusions: The MRA technique could not detect the structural blood vessels of the SMAS and other methods for their in vivo visualization must be sought. The blood vessels of the SMAS mainly follow the topography of the muscle fibers. From the SMAS layer where they are found, the distribution branches reach the stroma of the region and the hypoderm. Our data can contribute to the development of surgical techniques tailored to each individual patient, as well as the enhancement of methods for stimulating cutaneous angiogenesis, improving scarring in this region, and advancing biotissue engineering techniques.

The TRICK-TIP Rhinoplasty: Tip of the Nose Preservation Using the Combined Synergy of Open and Closed Approaches

BACKGROUND

This study introduces and assesses the outcomes of a novel rhinoplasty technique, TRICK-TIP (Transcolumellar and Inter Cartilaginous Keystoning with Tip preservation), employing a combined open and closed approach with tip anatomy conservation and structured tip support.

METHODS

The procedure involves a low stairstep columellar sectioning, followed by transmembranous and intercartilaginous incisions without skin dissection in the columella or tip. Elevating the entire mobile nose as a three-layered flap provides extensive access to the entire nasal pyramid and septum. Tip modifications, including retrograde cephalic cartilage resection and supratip skin thinning, are performed based on individual cases. A key columellar strut is frequently used, initially sutured in the interdomal space and then turned down for height adjustment and final fixation. Interdomal sutures, supratip sutures, and alar resection are implemented as needed.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients participated, with high satisfaction and a low frequency of adverse effects reported using four FACE-Q™ questionnaires. One hundred and two independent raters evaluated pre and postoperative photographs, scoring "overall nose result" as 3.6 out of 5, with minimal or absent nostril deformities (1.84), soft triangle deformities (1.73), and columellar external scar deformity/visibility (1.35) where 1 is the absence of the deformity and 5 is disfigurement. Complications were absent, and revisions were infrequent.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined benefits of the wide-open approach, shortened surgery duration, and nasal tip preservation contribute to outcome optimization. TRICK-TIP rhinoplasty is characterized by simplicity, enabling targeted modifications, preventing soft triangle and rim complications, and facilitating essential tip support while maintaining favorable results. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Use of the Interalar Ligament Flap for Tip and Supratip Contouring in Primary Open Structural Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

Precise tip contouring is paramount to achieve pleasant cosmetic results in rhinoplasty. Loss of tip projection or rotation, supratip deformities, and long-lasting edema may jeopardize the outcome and lead to patient dissatisfaction or to reintervention. Several approaches have been reported, sometimes with considerable drawbacks or conclusions supported mainly by experience. The aim of this study was to describe the interalar ligament flap for tip and supratip contouring and to comparatively assess its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

The study included 147 patients who underwent primary structured open rhinoplasty and were divided into 2 groups: group 1 underwent harvesting and repositioning of the interalar ligament flap, and group 2 underwent conventional tip dissection. Tip edema, supratip definition, and fullness were blindly scored at 2-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative follow-up. Nasolabial angle was measured at 2 and 12 months postoperatively. Univariate analysis and multivariable regression modeling were performed.

RESULTS

Supratip definition was significantly higher in group 1 at the 2-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative follow-up visits ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). Tip edema and supratip fullness were significantly lower in group 1 at each time point ( P < 0.01). Nasolabial angle, and its modification between 2 and 12 months after intervention, did not differ in the 2 groups. All findings were confirmed when controlled for eventual confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

The interalar ligament flap has proven to be versatile, effective, and consistently reliable in reducing tip edema and improving supratip definition. It may be tailored to the patient, partially folded to improve tip projection, or used to camouflage tip grafts.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Reconstruction of Scroll and Pitanguy's Ligaments in Open Rhinoplasty: A Controlled Randomized Study

INTRODUCTION

In the preservation rhinoplasty era, ligament management represents a hot topic. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of ligaments as indispensable elements of support of the nasal tip to have an adequate, safe, and predictable aesthetic and functional result.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients meeting the following criteria were included in the study: primary rhinoplasty, minimum 2-year follow-up, proficiency in Italian language, signed consent, and standardized pre- and postoperative photographic documentation. The study was performed with a double-blinded randomized design; both the patients and two of the authors measuring outcomes were blinded to the treatment methods. All patients were asked to answer the FACE-Q satisfaction with the nose postoperative scale. Two plastic surgeons reviewed all postoperative photographs, rating the outcome on a 1-5 VAS scale.

RESULTS

One hundred and twelve patients were enrolled, 47 males and 65 females, aged between 20 and 50 years. Patients were randomly divided in three groups: group 1, ligament reconstruction and grafts; group 2, only grafts (shield, single and double onlay, umbrella); and group 3, only ligament reconstruction with columellar strut. All rhinoplasties were performed with an open approach. Both the FACE-Q and VAS scores were in groups 1 and 2, which were also the ones undergoing fewer secondary procedures compared to group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

The best surgical option appears to be the combination of ligament repair and grafts. It reduces dead space and enables a better redraping of soft tissues, obtaining a better control of tip projection, position, and rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Effect of Rhinoplasty Dissection Planes (Sub-SMAS, Subperichondrial, and Subperiosteal) on the Viability of Diced Cartilage Grafts in a Rabbit Model

BACKGROUND

Dorsal preservation surgeries in which the subperichondral and subperiosteal planes are used to elevate the soft tissue envelope of the nose have become increasingly widespread because they can reduce postoperative edema and promote faster healing. However, the effects of surgical dissection planes on the viability of cartilage grafts are not known.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine, in a rabbit model, the viability of diced cartilage grafts in different rhinoplasty dissection planes (sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system [SMAS], subperichondral, subperiosteal).

METHODS

Diced cartilage samples were placed in the sub-SMAS, subperichondrial, and subperiosteal planes, and after 90 days, histopathologic analysis was performed. Cartilage graft viability was evaluated based on the loss of chondrocyte nuclei in the lacuna, the presence of peripheral chondrocyte proliferation, and the loss of matrix metachromasia in the chondroid matrix.

RESULTS

The median [interquartile range] percentages of live chondrocyte nucleus viability in the sub-SMAS, subperichondrial, and subperiosteal groups were 67.5% [18.75%] (range, 60%-80%), 35% [17.5%] (range, 20%-45%), and 20% [30.0%] (range, 10%-45%), respectively; and the percentages of peripheral chondrocyte proliferation were 80.0% [22.5%] (range, 60%-90%), 30% [28.75%] (range, 15%-60%), and 20% [28.75%] (range, 5%-60%), respectively. There was strong statistical significance in both parameters (P = .001). Intergroup examination revealed a difference between the sub-SMAS and the other surgical planes (P = .001 for both parameters). A smaller loss of chondrocyte matrix was observed in the sub-SMAS group compared with the other 2 groups, which supports the findings of cartilage viability (P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevating the soft tissue envelope of the nose in the sub-SMAS surgical plane preserves the viability of cartilage grafts better than subperichondrial and subperiosteal elevation.

Cable and Mirror Sutures and the Nasal Septum Sublaminar Dissection

Managing the nasal septum (NS) position is crucial in septorhinoplasty. The analysis and the preparation of the anterior nasal spine and the quadrangular cartilage as well as the strategy defined to efficiently stabilize the septum will dictate considerably the success of the result. Moreover, what we see in the surgical table can suffer modifications during the healing process because of poor fixation or the cheese-wire effect of the cartilage. We will present a logical sequence and tools to achieve a proper and stable position of the NS and the nasal pyramid. The sublaminar (supraperichondral) dissection of the quadrangular cartilage as an option to the subperichondral one and the use of cable and mirror sutures to three-dimensionally positioning and stabilizing the NS will be described.

Skin Contour Sutures in Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

The skin-soft tissue envelope (STE) is a critical component of rhinoplasty and can have a significant impact on the final result. Skin contour sutures (SCSs) can be used to prevent potential complications related to skin detachment and to improve rhinoplasty results.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of SCSs for nasal skin approximation.

METHODS

SCSs involve the use of external sutures to stabilize the STE flap based on the principle that the pressure of the sutures helps to approximate the STE to the underlying nasal skeleton. The first study group demonstrated the utilization of SCSs in 459 consecutive rhinoplasty cases between December 2016 and April 2022 which were retrospectively reviewed. The second study group consisted of 30 patients with thick skin who had insertion of SCSs with ultrasonic evaluation both preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

The average postoperative follow-up period in the first study group was 41 months (range, 12-64 months). Any suture site that was visible after removal of the suture disappeared completely after 6 weeks in most patients. No complications were reported. In the second group the ultrasound data indicated that STE healing was faster as its thickness returns to its preoperative state earlier in the healing process when SCSs were used.

CONCLUSIONS

SCSs appear to help to decrease severe nasal edema, hematomas, loss of tip definition, fibrosis, and pollybeak deformity, thereby improving the results and predictability of rhinoplasty surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Displacement of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Mimicking a Cutaneous Tumor: A Case Report

There has been considerable growth in the number of cosmetic injectable procedures in recent years. Consequently, physicians in general are seeing a greater number of patients who have previously had cosmetic implants. These patients often fail to mention or do not admit to having had previous cosmetic procedures, conditions that should be noted in their medical histories. In this article, the authors report a rare case of hyaluronic acid filler displacement resulting from injection in the nasal radix region that had been administered 10 months prior, which the patient failed to mention. The filler migration mimicked facial tumors, entangling an otherwise easy case and it was only recognized with the use of dermatological ultrasound. This serves as a warning and a reminder to include complications from cosmetic procedures in diagnostic hypotheses. Physicians need to be vigilant, question their patients' medical histories, and be familiar with diagnostic imaging options. The presence of dermal fillers should always be considered in cutaneous tumor lesions, since they can last for months to years, or be present in locations distant from the site of application.

Feminization Rhinoplasty

Facial gender affirmation surgery is currently growing worldwide and is an important treatment for gender dysphoria that will improve quality of life. The most frequently sought modifications by transgender women are forehead and supraorbital ridge reduction, cheek augmentation, upper lip surgery (lip lift), laryngeal chondroplasty, jaw reduction, and rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty for transgender women uses the same techniques as rhinoplasty for a cisgender patient. However, knowledge of transgender care is necessary and must be widely adapted to all health professionals. This article intends to explain the author's personal approach to feminization rhinoplasty.

The "3 Points Compartmentalization" Technique in Subperichondrial-Subperiosteal Dissection in Primary Rhinoplasty to Reduce Edema and Define Contour

Proper control of postoperative edema in rhinoplasty matters significantly, both regarding patient satisfaction and preventing loss of definition and aesthetic surface contour in the dorsum and tip. The "3 points compartmentalization" technique described in this paper aims to fulfill the above goals by (1) dissection in a subperichondrial-subperiosteal plane and (2) reducing the dead space by three strategically placed key sutures that compartmentalize the nose and redrape the single-plane dissection in an anatomically correct position.Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Dissection Manual for Open Rhinoseptoplasty in a Silicone Nose Model

Open rhinoseptoplasty has been widely performed in the field of otorhinolaryngology. However, from the perspective of beginners, rhinoseptoplasty is a hard-to-learn surgery that involves a relatively steep learning curve. Therefore, practical guidance is essential to enhance the skills needed for excellent surgical outcomes. Here, we provide a step-wise dissection manual using a commercialized silicone nose model designed for rhinoseptoplasty. The contents include general approaches with regard to transcolumellar inverted V incision, flap elevation, osteotomy, septoplasty, modification of the lower lateral cartilage for tip surgery, and dorsal augmentation using silicone implants. In addition, we introduce novel techniques such as dorsal augmentation using a ready-made mold with tissue glue applied to diced cartilage and polycaprolactone mesh for rhinoseptoplasty. The present study also provides photos of individual surgical procedures using a silicone nose model for actual guidance. The authors expect that this manual will help beginning rhinoseptoplasty surgeons improve their confidence.