Nasal measurements in Asians and high-density porous polyethylene implants in rhinoplasty.

Abstract

Objectives: To understand Asian noses, set goals for rhinoplasty, and find the best alternative columellar strut.

Methods: Six values were used to evaluate the morphology of the nose: tip projection, alar-tip-columellar base angle, alar-columellar base-philtrum angle, nasolabial angle, nasofacial angle, and tip angle. One hundred average Chinese people (50 males and 50 females) were compared with 36 preoperative Chinese patients (13 males and 23 females). We presented an application of high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) implant as a columellar strut for use in lengthening. We performed 3 surgical techniques: a single-plate strut, a double-plate strut, and a butterfly-shaped strut. Open rhinoplasty (transcolumella incision) was performed on 21 patients; closed rhinoplasty (marginal incision) was performed on 15 patients.

Results: Prominent changes in the 6 values were found in both male and female patients after rhinoplasty.

Conclusions: An analysis of the Asian nose will help surgeons achieve better results. High-density porous polyethylene columellar strut grafts provide adequate support for refined tip definition and the shaping of the columellar-lobular angle.