Evaluation of lateral crural steal in nasal tip surgery

Abstract

IMPORTANCE: Many techniques to increase nasal tip projection and rotation have been described. Some patients complain about aesthetic loss during the postoperative period. The lateral crural steal technique has been used to improve nasal tip rotation, definition, and projection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the lateral crural steal technique comparing immediate and late postoperative results. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty consecutive patients in an academic tertiary care hospital underwent this rhinoplasty technique to improve nasal tip projection and rotation. INTERVENTION: The patients' noses were measured in preoperative and immediate and late postoperative periods using a digital pachymeter. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Quantitative analysis of nasal length and nasal tip rotation and projection. RESULTS: The average lateral crural steal was 4.2 mm. There was an increase in projection and rotation in all patients when comparing preoperative and immediate postoperative measurements. The differences in preoperative and immediate postoperative measurements in nasal length (46.5mmto 40.5 mm) and nasolabial angle (89.5° to 109.2°) were statistically significant (P = .005 and P