Does Correction of Caudal Septal Deflection Affect Nasal Angle Parameters?

Abstract

Objectives:

Verify whether one’s external appearance may change after correction of caudal septal deflection by estimating nasal angle parameters.

Methods:

Correction of caudal septal deflection was performed by first releasing the caudal septal cartilage along the maxillary crest and excising excessive portions. The incised cartilage was sutured, and the detached ventral cartilage of caudal septum was fixed at the midline. Preoperative and postoperative photographs (lateral view) were taken at postoperative 6 months. Nasolabial angle (NLA) and nasal tip angle (NTA), as well as the angle between the columella and a perpendicular line to the Frankfort line (CFL), were evaluated. The visual analogue score (VAS) for nasal obstruction was evaluated at pre- and post-operation.

Results:

A total of 35 patients per protocol were included in this study. The mean preoperative NLA was 98.67±9.17° and the mean NLA at postoperative 6 months was 98.64±9.27°; the NTA changed from 84.41±6.96° to 84.33±7.07°; the CFL changed from 80.06±7.91° to 80.08±8.02°. All parameters showed no significant change between pre- and post-operation. Subjective saddle nose or other external deformities were not reported. VAS score of subjective nasal obstruction decreased significantly from 7.89±1.37 to 1.80±1.05.

Conclusions:

After correction of caudal septal deflection, nasal angle parameters were not changed and VAS score was significantly improved. Therefore, caudal septal deflection can be safely and satisfactorily corrected through proper surgical methods.