Low dorsal strip rhinoplasty
Low dorsal strip rhinoplasty is another technique within preservation rhinoplasty that focuses on maintaining the nasal dorsum’s structural integrity while specifically addressing the lower part of the nasal bridge. This approach is designed to reduce a dorsal hump and achieve a smooth, natural contour without extensively removing or reconstructing the nasal structures. Here’s an overview of low dorsal strip rhinoplasty:
Key Principles of Low Dorsal Strip Rhinoplasty:
- Conservation of Nasal Structure:
- Similar to other preservation techniques, low dorsal strip rhinoplasty aims to preserve as much of the original nasal anatomy as possible, focusing on the lower section of the dorsal hump.
- Reduction of Dorsal Hump:
- The technique involves reducing the dorsal hump by removing tissue from the lower part of the dorsum while keeping a central strip of cartilage and bone intact.
- Maintenance of Natural Contours:
- By preserving the central strip, the natural dorsal aesthetic lines are maintained, ensuring a smooth and natural transition from the bridge to the tip of the nose.
Procedure of Low Dorsal Strip Rhinoplasty:
- Preoperative Planning and Marking:
- Detailed preoperative planning and marking are crucial. The surgeon identifies the areas of the lower dorsal hump that need reduction and the central strip that will be preserved.
- Subperichondrial and Subperiosteal Dissection:
- Dissection is performed beneath the perichondrium (cartilage covering) and periosteum (bone covering) to minimise disruption to the nasal tissues and preserve the blood supply.
- Resection of Lower Dorsal Hump:
- The surgeon carefully removes a strip of cartilage and bone from the lower portion of the dorsum, leaving a central strip intact to maintain structural support and continuity.
- Repositioning and Refinement:
- The nasal bones may be repositioned, and any necessary refinements are made to ensure a smooth, natural contour. Controlled fractures (osteotomies) may be performed to allow the bones to settle into a desired position.
Advantages of Low Dorsal Strip Rhinoplasty:
- Natural Appearance:
- By preserving the central strip of the nasal dorsum, the technique maintains the natural aesthetic lines and contours, resulting in a more natural post-surgical appearance.
- Functional Integrity:
- The preservation of the central strip helps maintain the structural support of the nose, which can lead to better long-term functional outcomes, particularly regarding nasal airflow and breathing.
- Less Invasive:
- The procedure involves less extensive removal of tissue, leading to reduced trauma, swelling, and bruising. This contributes to a quicker and more comfortable recovery for the patient.
- Stability and Long-Lasting Results:
- Maintaining a central strip of cartilage and bone provides ongoing support for the nasal structure, contributing to the stability and longevity of the surgical results.
Ideal Candidates for Low Dorsal Strip Rhinoplasty:
- Patients with a Lower Dorsal Hump:
- Individuals with a prominent lower dorsal hump who seek reduction while preserving the natural contour of their nose are ideal candidates.
- Those Seeking Natural-Looking Results:
- Patients who prefer a conservative approach that preserves the natural aesthetics of their nose will benefit from this technique.
- Patients with Good Nasal Structure:
- Ideal candidates typically have sufficient nasal structural support, allowing for effective reshaping without extensive removal of cartilage and bone.
Low dorsal strip rhinoplasty is a refined technique focusing on the lower part of the nasal dorsum, providing a balance between effective dorsal hump reduction and the preservation of natural nasal structures. This approach leads to aesthetically pleasing and functionally stable outcomes.