Abstract
Retraction of columella and collapse of nasal tip may be a primary phenomenon or secondary to poor results of rhinoplasty. This may be due to excessive resection of dorsocaudal septum or inappropriate removal of the nasal spine.
Reconstruction of the columella is a difficult surgical procedure and many techniques have been described. This report describes a technique of interposition of a composite skin-conchal cartilage graft between the caudal septum and columella. The graft will restore the projection of the nasal tip and correct a retracted columella by increasing its base. The newly positioned columella forms an aesthetically acceptable obtuse angle with the lip and is 2–3 mm lower than the alar rims.
The cartilage from the concha of the ear is an excellent grafting material for nasal reconstruction. It has been used for augmentation of the nasal dorsum, tip grafting, and correction of vestibular atresia. The graft is harvested utilizing a technique that allows for minimal postoperative auricular deformity at the donor site. Aesthetic results have been satisfactory, with very low morbidity following this method.
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