The Columellar Auto-Strut Technique: A Refined Approach to Nasal Tip Stabilization in Septorhinoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] The Columellar Auto-Strut Technique (CAST) is a refined modification of the Tongue-in-Groove (TIG) method, designed to provide stable nasal tip support while maintaining aesthetic flexibility. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of CAST in septorhinoplasty (SRP).

[METHODS] A retrospective analysis was conducted on 78 patients who underwent SRP using CAST. Nasal tip projection (Goode ratio), nasolabial angle (NLA), and subjective tip stiffness were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.

[RESULTS] The mean NLA increased from 84.3° ± 5.2° to 99.8° ± 4.8° (p < 0.001). The Goode ratio improved from 0.58 ± 0.06 to 0.63 ± 0.01 p = 0.003). The mean VAS score for nasal tip stiffness was 7.1 ± 1.1. No significant cases of nasal tip deviation or nostril asymmetry were reported.

[CONCLUSIONS] The CAST technique offers stable nasal tip support with predictable outcomes, preserving both function and aesthetics. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its effectiveness in routine SRP.

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