Ligament Preservation in Open Rhinoplasty: Prospective Analysis.

[BACKGROUND] In the open rhinoplasty technique, the soft tissue and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Reconstruction of the ligaments is not performed routinely. The authors aimed to assess the effect of preservation of the nasal ligaments (ie, scroll, septocolumellar, and Pitanguy ligaments) in open-approach rhinoplasty.

[METHODS] In this prospective cohort study, 32 patients underwent open rhinoplasty with ligament preservation after receiving precise training on five cadavers.

[RESULTS] All patients had improved aesthetic and functional outcome in the early postoperative period with long-lasting preservation of tip projection and results. No patient needed secondary revision surgery for tip dropping or malrotation. The objective findings and subjective assessments were satisfying for the patients and surgeons.

[CONCLUSIONS] Refinements of nasal surgery have no limits. This study suggests that nasal ligament reconstruction, including of the scroll, septocolumellar, and Pitanguy ligaments, could maintain nasal tip projection and rotation for a long time.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, IV.