The Caudal Septum Pivot Technique for Short Nose Correction

The short nose represents one of the greatest challenges in rhinoplasty. It is characterized by a reduced distance from the nasal radix to the tip-defining points, often associated with inadequate tip projection. Several techniques have been described for correction of short nose with the common objective of replacing and rebuilding the osteocartilaginous framework. One of the most effective method to correct the short nose is the septal extension graft. The authors describe the caudal septum pivot (CSP) technique, a simple method to elongate short noses by using a graft inserted in the dorsal septum after its division using as pivot the caudal portion, without detaching it from its natural anchorage to the anterior nasal spine. A retrospective analysis was performed reviewing the clinical charts and the operative records of 315 patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty from January 2015 to June 2019; among this group, 34 were considered eligible for the study. The patients (8 men, 26 women; mean age: 25.4 years; age range: 22-53 years) were divided into two groups: in 12 patients (Group 1) the CSP technique was performed, while Group 2 was composed of 22 patients who received a more classic treatment with a septal extension graft. To evaluate the outcomes, nasal length, tip projection, and tip rotation were measured pre- and 1 year postoperatively on digital photographs of each patient. Nasal anthropometric measurements revealed, at 12-month visit follow-up, an improvement in nasal length, tip projection, and nasolabial angle was achieved in all the patients. The comparison of the pre- and postoperative values showed a statistically significant reduction in the nasolabial angle (p < 0.05) and an increase in the tip projection (p < 0.05) and in the nasal lengthening (p < 0.05) in both groups. In authors' experience, the CSP technique could be considered a safe, reliable, and effective alternative technique in selected patients.