The Footplates Reposition Technique for Improving Tip Stability, Balancing Columellar-Labial Junction, and Upper Lip...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• The footplates of the medial crura are crucial for nasal aesthetics and muscle connections.
• Existing rhinoplasty techniques often focus on grafts for tip support, potentially overlooking footplate contributions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a surgical technique involving footplate release and repositioning in rhinoplasty.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this technique in improving nasal tip support, columellar-labial junction (CLJ) balance, and upper lip aesthetics.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 64 patients undergoing footplate release and repositioning.
• Surgical technique involved footplate release, repositioning, and assessment of outcomes over 12 months.

Main Results:

• The technique led to improved nasal tip support and stability.
• Patients experienced enhanced CLJ balance, upper lip lifting, and vermilion eversion.
• A decrease in philtrum length was observed with improved vermilion show.

Conclusions:

• Footplate release and repositioning is an effective adjunct in rhinoplasty.
• This technique offers improved tip support, facilitates nasolabial angle adjustment, and assists in upper lip repositioning.