Analysis of nasal ptosis correction using lower lateral to upper lateral cartilage suspension.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the durability of lower lateral to upper lateral cartilage suspension (LUCS) in the correction of nasal tip ptosis.

METHODS

Patients with extreme nasal tip ptosis who subsequently underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty were eligible for this retrospective case study. Severe tip ptosis was defined as a nasolabial angle less than or equal to 80° in men and 90° in women. Of 34 patients identified who underwent LUCS in the past 18 years, 24 were found to have at least 1-year follow-up images and documented clinic visits. Thirteen of these patients were observed for at least 3 years and comprise the long-term cohort. Preoperative morphed or hand-drawn illustrations were obtained, and the nasolabial angles were measured and compared with those of the standard preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and long-term postoperative groups.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative nasolabial angle for the entire group was 83.4°. The mean preoperative morphed or illustrated angles measured 104.7°. The mean 1-year and long-term follow-up angles measured 102.5° and 101.5°, respectively. The differences among the preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and long-term groups were significant at P < .001. The similarities between the morphed, 1-year postoperative, and long-term angles were also statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The LUCS is a durable technique in the correction of nasal tip ptosis. It has consistently proved to provide accurate and reproducible results.