Outcomes Assessment of Septal Extension Graft Versus Columellar Strut Graft in Rhinoplasty.

Nose is an important aesthetic landmark with its length, width, shape, and position in the middle of the face. Rhinoplasty is now one of the most common rhinological procedures with both functional and aesthetic aspects. Tip plasty is considered the core of rhinoplasty. The interaction among lower lateral cartilages, septal cartilage, adjacent soft tissues, tissue dynamics, and surgical techniques determines the nasal tips projection, rotation, and overall shape. Various graft sources and types were used for tip support in rhinoplasty such as columellar struts, septal extensions, and cap grafts.

The columellar strut graft, first introduced in 1932, has became a widely adopted technique. Typically a cartilage graft is positioned between the medial crura to provide support and stability to the nasal tip. Recent studies reported some drawbacks of columellar strut such as widening the columella and resorption or displacement of the graft due to their lack of attachment to the caudal septum. Septal extension grafts extend from the caudal edge of the nasal septum into the lower lateral cartilages, these grafts offer crucial structural support to the nasal tip. Despite of their the wide use of columellar strut and septal extention graft, limited studies compared their results.