Component columella augmentation in cleft nose rhinoplasty: a preliminary study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a component columella augmentation technique in cleft nose rhinoplasty. This prospective study included rhinoplasty procedures in bilateral cleft nose patients treated by component columella augmentation technique. After surgery, all patients were followed up daily for the first week, and then at 1 month and 6 months postoperative. The following four parameters were assessed: nasal tip projection, infratip lobule length, infratip lobule-to-base distance, and columella-labial angle. Thirteen rhinoplasty patients were included. Tip projection was increased (5.6±3.5mm) in all cases postoperatively (P<0.05); the increase was seen mostly in the lobule-to-base length (4.5±0.4mm), with a minimal change in lobule length (1.1±3.6mm). Preoperative and postoperative lobule lengths were not statistically different (P>0.05). With this technique, it is not necessary to involve the upper and lower lips. Therefore, the non-aesthetic vertical scars and tissue distortion that may occur with local flaps are easily avoided. Compared to composite augmentation, each part of the deformity (cartilage and skin) is precisely and separately restored with this technique.