Skip to main content
NIHPA Author Manuscripts logoLink to NIHPA Author Manuscripts
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2024 Oct 22.
Published in final edited form as: Facial Plast Surg. 2023 May 9;39(4):333–361. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1768654

State of the Evidence for Preservation Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review

Nicole G DeSisto 1, Tyler S Okland 1, Priyesh N Patel 1, Sam P Most 2
PMCID: PMC11495945  NIHMSID: NIHMS2029297  PMID: 37160159

Abstract

Preservation rhinoplasty encompasses a number of techniques that minimize disruption of the native cartilaginous and soft tissue nasal architecture. These techniques have gained popularity resulting in an increase in publications relevant to preservation rhinoplasty. However, many studies that present patient outcomes are of low-level evidence and do not incorporate validated patient-reported outcome measures. While these studies do consistently report positive outcomes, there are few high-level comparative studies that support the theoretical benefits of preservation relative to structural rhinoplasty. As contemporary preservation rhinoplasty techniques will continue to evolve and become incorporated into clinical practice, there will be the need for parallel emphasis on robust clinical studies to delineate the value of these methods.

Keywords: preservation rhinoplasty, dorsal preservation, structural preservation, cartilage preservation, subperichondrial dissection


Preservation rhinoplasty is the practice of maximizing the axis of tissue mobilization over resection. Modern preservation rhinoplasty includes (1) lateral crural preservation with an emphasis on suture modification, (2) subperichondrial dissection to preserve the soft-tissue envelope and nasal ligaments, and (3) dorsal preservation by treating the bony-cartilaginous midvault as a single unit during hump reduction (dorsal preservation rhinoplasty [DPR]).1 Each of these techniques may be deployed in combination or independently. The anatomic and functional considerations of these methods have been previously described.24

These techniques are distinct from structural techniques, which are relatively more destructive in nature, and more prevalent.5 While preservation rhinoplasty is not a new concept, there has been a resurgence of interest in both clinical and academic settings. Numerous studies report positive outcomes using preservation techniques; however, evidence-based outcomes for preservation rhinoplasty are lacking.

In the present study, we aim to systematically review and analyze the current body of preservation rhinoplasty literature, to better understand the strongest evidence for or against preservation techniques, and where additional research is required. To our knowledge, a study with this scope has never been published.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on October 31, 2022, using the PubMed database. Three groups were established. The first group included variations of the search term “lateral crural preservation.” The second group included variations of the search term “soft-tissue preservation.” The final group included variations of the search term “dorsal preservation.” A complete accounting of the search criteria may be found in Appendix 1. Each search was run separately, and all references were uploaded to Endnote reference management software where duplicates were removed.

Article abstracts and titles were independently screened by two reviewers (T.S.O. and P.N.P.) The full text was included for review if the abstract clearly discussed one of the three preservation techniques noted earlier. If there was question about content of the reference, it was also included for full-text review. Disagreements were resolved via discussion between the two reviewers. The inclusion criteria were (1) quantifiable data for one of three preservation rhinoplasty categories (dorsal preservation, lateral crural preservation, soft-tissue preservation); (2) English language article; (3) full-text publication; (4) clinical trial, cohort study, case–control study, systematic review, or meta-analysis. Exclusion criteria included (1) cadaveric studies; (2) articles published as conference abstracts or posters; (3) no quantifiable data; (4) case report, letters, commentaries, or “How I Do It” articles.

We defined dorsal preservation as any technique that reduces the bony-cartilaginous complex in the process of hump reduction without disruption of the upper lateral cartilage attachments to the dorsal septum. References focused on techniques of dorsal preservation were included in the “dorsal preservation” group (Group 1). We defined soft-tissue preservation as any technique including subperichondrial dissection for the preservation of ligaments and other soft tissue. References focused on this technique were included in the “Soft Tissue Preservation” group (Group 2). Finally, we defined lateral crural preservation as any technique aimed at nasal tip refinement with minimal lateral crural resection. This included both grafting and suture techniques (e.g., lateral crural struts, turn-in flaps). All references focused on these techniques were included in the “Lateral Crural Preservation” group (Group 3). In this final group, emphasis was placed on tip refinement techniques without the need for complete lateral crural repositioning (to better compare it to lateral crural excisional techniques) and modifications made for functional reasons only were excluded. Each reference was assigned a level of evidence according to those established by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (Table 1).

Table 1.

Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine: level of evidence

Level of evidence Study description
1a Systematic review (with homogeneity) of randomized controlled trials
1b Individual randomized controlled trial (with narrow confidence interval)
1c All or none
2a Systematic review (with homogeneity) of cohort studies
2b Individual cohort study (including low-quality randomized controlled trial)
2c Outcomes research; ecological studies
3a Systematic review (with homogeneity) of case-control studies
3b Individual case–control study
4 Case–series (and poor quality cohort and case–control studies)

Results

A total of 6,272 studies initially resulted using this search strategy. All 6,272 were uploaded into Endnote software and 1,524 duplicates were removed. The remaining 4,748 articles were title/abstract screened by two independent reviewers (T.S.O. and P.N.P.). A total of 107 articles were included for full-text review. A final reviewer (N.G.D.) performed full-text review according to our established inclusion/exclusion criteria. Seventy articles were included for data extraction. Data collected included year of publication, country of the associated institution, sample size, mean patient age (years), study type, level of evidence, study inclusion criteria, surgical intervention, primary outcome, open versus closed surgical approach, mean duration of follow-up (months), outcome results, complication rate, postoperative dorsal hump recurrence rate, and revision rate. A total of 46 studies were included in Group 1. Of these 46 studies, 9 studies had overlap with Group 2, 1 study had overlap with Group 3, and 5 studies were included in all the three groups. Thirty-one studies were included in the dorsal preservation category (Group 1 alone). The 46 total studies included in Group 1 had a mean sample size of 307 ± 939, a range of 16 to 5,660 patients, and a median sample size of 62 patients with a mean patient age of 27.5 ± 3.4 years. Group 2 consisted of 17 studies in total. Of these 17 studies, 9 studies had overlap with Group 1, 3 studies had overlap with Group 3, and 5 studies were included in all the three groups. Zero studies were included in the soft-tissue preservation group alone. The 17 total studies included in Group 2 had a mean sample size of 129 ± 112, a range of 25 to 520 patients, and a median sample size of 102 with a mean patient age of 26.9 ± 2.1. Group 3 consisted of 30 studies in total. Of these 30 studies, 1 had overlap with Group 1, 3 had overlap with Group 2, and 5 were included in all the three groups. Twenty-one studies were included in the lateral crural preservation group alone. The 30 total studies included in Group 3 had a mean sample size of 84 ± 72 patients, a range of 14 to 306 patients, and a mean sample size of 54 patients with a mean patient age of 29.1 ± 5.4 years. Study characteristics and outcomes for each group may be found in Tables 2 to 4.

Table 2.

Evidence characteristics and outcomes—dorsal preservation technique

Author(s) Groupa Year Country No. of patients Patient age (mean y) Study type Level of evidence Surgical intervention Approach Primary outcome Mean duration of follow-up (mo) Result summary Significant findingb Complication rate Postoperative hump recurrence rate: Revision rate:
Alan et al6 1 2022 Turkey 34 23.7 Prospective cohort III SR vs. PR Closed NOSE, SCHNOS, rhinomanometric evaluation 12 Rhinomanometric evaluation: TNV
SR pre: 717.3 (148.5)
SR 12 mo: 753.2 (92.4)
PR pre: 692.6 (108.0)
PR 12 mo: 758.5 (80.0) (p = 0.031) TNR
SRpre: 0.215(0.051)
SR 12 mo: 0.199 (0.033)
PR Pre: 0.223 (0.049)
PR 12 mo: 0.198 (0.024)
NOSE:
SR pre: 65.7 (23.4)
SR 12 mo: 10.5 (7.0)
(p< 0.001)
PR pre: 69.3 (19.3)
PR 12 mo: 8.6 (4.4)
(p= 0.001)
SCHNOS-O:
SR pre: 13.3 (3.7)
SR 12 mo: 1.5 (1.2)
(p< 0.001)
PR pre: 14.0 (3.0)
PR 12 mo: 1.9 (1.6)
(p= 0.001)
SCHNOS-C:
SR pre: 21 (7.5)
SR 12 mo: 1.0 (0.8)
(p< 0.001)
PR pre: 25.5 (5.3)
PR 12 mo: 1.4 (0.9)
(p=0.001)
1 NR NR NR
Azimov8 1 2021 Azerbaijan 210 27.8 Prospective cohort IV CDRT Open: 58; Closed 152 Subjective, PE 18 Limited edema, more rapid patient recovery, no serious complications 0 NR NR NR
Cabbarzade9 1 2019 Azerbaijan 372 23 Retrospective cohort III DP vs. DR Open: 350, Closed: 22 Photography, endoscopic examination, PE 15 NR 0 0.00% NR 0.27%
Dewes et al11 1 2021 Brazil 3282 NR Retrospective cohort IV SPAR NR Complications/revision rates NR 31% SPAR-A, 43% SPAR_B 0 NR NR 9.50%
Ferreira et al13 1 2021 Portugal 250 35.2 Randomized prospective cohort study III CDRvs.SRT CDR: 87 closed, 38 open. SRT: 112 closed, 13 open OAR, VAS 20 VAS-C:
CDR pre: 3.66 (1.36)
CDR 12 mo: 7.35 (2.13)
SRT pre: 3.81 (1.29)
SRT 12 mo: 8.45 (1.10)
Aesthetic improvement higher in SRT group (p< 0.001).
OAR:
CDR pre: 14.4 (3.5)
CDR 12 mo: 7.8 (2.8)
SRT pre: 13.5(3.4)
SRT 12 mo: 7.8 (3.1)
VAS-F:
Right side:
CDRpre: 4.76(1.64)
CDR 12 mo: 7.43(1.57)
SRT pre: 4.98(1.76)
SRT 12 mo: 8.10 (1.57)
Left side:
CDR-pre: 5.00(1.60)
CDR 12 mo: 8.11 (1.29)
SRT-pre: 4.69(1.67)
SRT-12 mo: 8.69 (1.32)
SRT significantly better than CDR at 1 y (p = 0.001)
1 1.20% 1.60% 3.60%
Ferreira et al14 1 2016 Portugal 40 30.6 Prospective cohort IV SRT Open: 10, closed: 30 Photographic evaluation of BTL, subjective 8.72 Very good BTL: 80%, good BTL: 15%, bad BTL: 5%. Subjective improvement in nasal function 0 NR NR NR
Ishida et al15 1 1999 Brazil 120 NR Prospective cohort IV PR NR Subjective cosmetic and functional results NR All patients with thin and fair skin had satisfactory aesthetic and functional result 0 NR 15.00% 15.00%
Ishida et al16 1 2020 Brazil 48 27.6 Retrospective cohort IV PD Open: 48,
closed: 6
Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Nasal hump adequately corrected in 95.8% of patients 0 4.17% 2.08% NR
Levin et al19 1 2020 Canada NR NR Systematic review II PR (4 references) vs. SR (25 references) 3/4 closed, 1/4 NR Various PROM NR Statistically significant improvement in 56% of SR (25 studies included) and 25% of PR studies (4 studies included) 1 NR NR NR
Neves and Arancibia-Tagle20 1 2021 Portugal, Spain 100 NR Retrospective cohort IV Tetris concept technique vs. lateral Tetris technique vs. modified SPAR B NR Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Lateral Tetris technique indicated in tilted noses. SPAR-B technique in complex cases 0 NR 36.9% in SPAR B, 3.9% in Tetris 4.00%
Öztürk21 1 2022 Turkey 36 24.81 Retrospective cohort IV Combination PR: semi-LD and semi-PD NR ROE, patient satisfaction 19.8 Median ROE:
Pre-op median: 55.5
12-mo post-op: 91.00 (p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction: 91.6%
1 NR 5.56% 0.00%
Öztürk22 1 2021 Turkey 64 23.8 Retrospective cohort IV Semi-LD vs. semi-PD Closed ROE, patient satisfaction 19.2 Median ROE:
Pre-op median: 61.6
12-mo post-op: 92.2 (p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
93.75%
1 NR 10.94% 0.00%
Öztürk23 1 2020 Turkey 51 23.2 Retrospective cohort IV LD technique Closed ROE, patient satisfaction 15.1 Median ROE:
Pre-op median: 65.2
12-mo post-op: 90.2 (p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
92%
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Öztürk24 1 2020 Turkey 62 27.2 Retrospective cohort IV PD without osteotomy Closed ROE, patency score, patient satisfaction 14.2 Patient satisfaction:
90.32%.
Patency score:
Pre-op: 6 (4–7)
12-mo post-op: 8 (8–9)
(p= 0.003)
Median ROE:
Pre-op median: 68.5
12-mo post-op: 90.5
(p= 0.001)
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Öztürk26 1 2021 Turkey 52 22.2 Retrospective cohort IV PD with ostectomy Closed ROE, patency score, patient satisfaction 15.1 Median ROE:
Pre-op median: 63.4
12-mo post-op 91.6
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
85%.
Patency:
Pre-op: 5.7
12 mo post-op: 9.1
(p< 0.001)a
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Özücer and Çam29 1 2020 Turkey 22 29.3 Nonrandomized clinical trial III ADP rhinoplasty vs. conventional midvault technique Closed Mean angle of deviation, success rate 14.4 No significant difference in post-op mean angle of deviation or mean success rate between groups 0 NR 4.55% NR
Patel et al30 1 2021 USA, Egypt 22 32.1 Retrospective cohort IV MSSM rhinoplasty+/− functional rhinoplasty Open SCHNOS-O, C, VAS-F, C 4 VAS-F (all patients)
Pre-op: 4.05 (2.94)
Post-op: 1.82(1.82)
(p= 0.003)
VAS-C (all patients)
Pre-op: 2.68 (1.70)
Post-op: 8.95(1.13)
(p< 0.001)
SCHNOS-O (all patients)
Pre-op: 41.59 (31.11)
Post-op: 21.82 (17.83)
(p= 0.009)
SCHNOS-C(all patients)
Pre-op: 62.12(21.14)
Post-op: 6.96(11.35)
(p< 0.001)
VAS-F and SCHNOS-O did not change significantly in cosmetic operation alone
1 0.00% 0.00% NR
Patel et al31 1 2022 USA, Egypt 163 NR Retrospective matched
cohort
III SPR vs. CHR Open SCHNOS-O, C; VAS-F, VAS-C NR SCHNOS-O:
SPR group:
Pre-op: 31.1 (28.71)
Post-op < 6 mo: 19.76(19.84)
(p = 0.0030)
Long-term follow-up: 12.3 (16.41)
(p< 0.0001)
CHR group:
Pre-op: 38.35 (34.66)
Post-op < 6 mo: 19.95(19.37)
(p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 16.94(20.2)
(p= 0.0006)
SCHNOS-C:
SPR group:
Pre-op: 65.4 (18.4)
Post-op < 6 mo: 7.64 (14.60)
(p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 7.27 (11.42)
(p< 0.0001)
CHR group:
Pre-op: 65.44(19.1)
Post-op < 6 mo: 11.18(14.29)
(p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 11.63(14.59)
(p< 0.0001)
VAS-C:
SPR group:
Pre-op: 2.63 (1.66)
Post-op < 6 mo: 8.92 (1.59)
(p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 8.73 (2.1)
(p< 0.0001)
CHR group:
Pre-op: 3.05 (2.07)
Post-op < 6 mo: 8.20 (2.29) (p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 8.25 (1.84)
(p< 0.0001)
VAS-F:
SPR group:
Pre-op: 3.1 (2.89)
Post-op < 6 mo: 1.90 (2.13) (p = 0.004)
Long-term follow-up: 1.13 (1.62)
<p = 0.02)
CHR group:
Pre-op: 3.72 (3.13)
Post-op < 6 mo: 1.78 (2.04) (p< 0.0001)
Long-term follow-up: 1.41 (1.92)
(p< 0.0001)
VAS-C scores at <6 mo post-op statistically higher in SPR group (p = 0.03). No other significant difference between groups
1 NR NR NR
Patel et al3 1 2020 USA 16 NR Prospective cohort IV DP rhinoplasty NR SCHNOS-O, C; VAS 4 SCHNOS-O
Pre-op: 39.4 (29.7)
Post-op: 20.3 (15.8)
(p= 0.003)
SCHNOS-C:
Pre-op: 62.3 (18.0)
Post-op: 6.9 (10.9)
(p< 0.001)
VAS-C:
Pre-op: 2.6 (1.4)
Post-op: 8.8 (1.1)
(p< 0.001)
VAS-F:
Pre-op: 3.9 (3.0)
Post-op: 1.94 (1.7)
(p= 0.016)
1 NR NR NR
Patel et al32 1 2021 USA, Egypt 22 NR Prospective cohort IV SSM +/− functional rhinoplasty NR SCHNOS-O, C 4 SSM+functional:
SCHNOS-O
Pre-op: 66.5 (19.4)
Post-op: 18.0 (14.0)
(p< 0.001)
SCHNOS-C
Pre-op: 54.7 (24.9)
Post-op: 11.3 (15.5)
(p< 0.001)
SSM - functional:
SCHNOS-C
Pre-op: 68.3
Post-op: 3.3
(p< 0.001)
No significant change in SCHNOS-O
1 NR NR NR
Pirsig and Konigs33 1 1988 Germany 100 NR Prospective cohort IV WR NR Subjective cosmetic results 18 Good longterm results in 93%. Under correction in 6%. Overcorrection in 1%. Better results than classic osteotomy technique 0 NR NR NR
Rodrigues Dias et al36 1 2022 Portugal 54 34.5 Prospective cohort II Primary rhinoplasty with SRT Open-10, Closed-44 OAR, VAS-F 12 OAR:
Mean pre-op: 13.4
(0.5)
Mean 3-mo post-op:
9.2 (0.15)
Mean 9-mo post-op:
9 (0.5) (p<0.001)
VAS-F (worst
breathing side):
Mean pre-op: 4.52
(0.22)
Mean 3-mo post-op:
7.84 (0.19)
Mean 9-mo post-op:
8.2 (0.16)
(p<0.001)
1 NR NR NR
Rodriquez et al37 1 2022 Spain 300 26 Retrospective cohort IV PRw/ recycled dorsum preservation technique Open Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Subjective results: 2 patients dissatisfied with scar. 50% extremely satisfied, 40% highly satisfied, 10% moderately satisfied 0 6.00% NR NR
Saban et al2 1 2018 France, USA, Italy Hungary 320 29 Retrospective cohort IV Dorsal reduction with PDO or LDO NR Complications/revision rates 29 PDO preferred for <4 mm reduction. LDO for >4 mm reduction 0 NR 0.63% 3.40%
Saban and de Salvador48 1 2021 France 352 NR Retrospective cohort IV Full DP vs. DP+resurfacing vs. DP+bony cartilaginous disarticulation vs. traditional rhinoplasty NR Subjective, complications/revision rates, functional complaints questionnaire 12 Most benefit in groups: straight noses—Full DP. Tension noses: DP+ resurfacing and/or Cottle variation. Kyphotic noses: cartilage only DP. Difficult noses: traditional rhinoplasties 0 NR NR 9.94%
Santos et al38 1 2019 Portugal 100 32.8 Prospective, interventional, longitudinal study II SRT Open: 18, closed: 82 OAR, VAS-F, VAS-C 12 10-point VAS-C:
Pre-op: 3.67 (0.15)
3 mo: 8.1 (0.12)
(p< 0.001)
12 months: 8.44
(0.11)(p< 0.001)
OAR:
Pre-op: 13.9
3 mo: 8.26
(p< 0.001)
12 mo: 7.08
(p< 0.001)
VAS-F right:
Pre-operative: 5.13 (0.25)
3 mo: 8.44(0.16)
(p< 0.001)
12 mo: 8.62 (0.18)
(p< 0.001)
VAS-F left:
Pre-operative: 4.49 (0.22)
3 mo: 8.29 (0.16)
(p< 0.001)
12 mo: 8.72 (0.14)
(p< 0.001)
1 NR NR NR
Stergiou et al39 1 2022 Switzerland, Italy, France 30 30.7 Prospective cohort IV PR NR ROE, complication/revision rate, INV angle 8.4 Radiological analysis —INV angle:
Pre-op: 20.77° ±3.2°
Post-operative:
21.82° ±5.7°
(p=0.18)
Mean ROE post-op:
18.4. High patient satisfaction in all cases
1 23.33% NR 6.67%
Stergiou et al40 1 2022 Switzerland, Italy, France 58 32 Prospective cohort IV PR Closed, hybrid open ROE, radiological analysis 19.7 Overall ROE converted score:
Pre-op: 37.9±9.2
Post-op:
81.25±14.17
(p< 0.0001)
Radiological analysis:
Pre-op INV angle: 19.88±3.3
Post-op INV angle: 22.04±4.1,
(p= 0.023)
ROE2 (subjective breathing):
Pre-op: 1.471 ±0.90
Post-op: 3.1 ± 0.88;
(p= 0.0001)
1 25.80% NR 8.60%
Taş42 1 2020 Turkey 44 23.2 Prospective cohort IV DRT Closed ROE, subjective evaluation, pyramidal angle measurements, patency score 12 Mean pyramidal an gle:
Pre-op: 80.
Post-op: 60.4
(p< 0.001)
Mean ROE:
90.1% patient satisfaction.
Patency score:
Pre-op: 5.1 Post-op: 8.2
(p< 0.001)
1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Taş and Erden43 1 2021 Turkey 50 27.5 Prospective cohort III Open rhinoplasty with spreader graft vs. LD technique Open-24, Closed-26 NOSE, SNOT-22, VAS 6 LD technique:_
Nose:
Pre-op: 13.19(5.32)
Post-op: 3.81 (2.92)
(p< 0.001)
Snot-22:
Pre-op: 41.77 (23.58)
Post-op: 13.12 (11.51) (p< 0.001)
VAS:
Pre-op: 6.96 (2.27)
Post-op: 2.00 (1.38)
(p< 0.001)
Spreader technique:
Nose:
Pre-op: 13.42 (4.23)
Post-op: 3.58 (2.63)
(p< 0.001)
Snot-22:
Pre-op: 47.50(19.76)
Post-op: 14.58 (9.69)
(p< 0.001)
VAS:
Pre-op: 7.38 (1.86)
Post-op: 2.04 (1.12)
(p< 0.001)
No significant difference between groups
1 NR NR NR
Tham et al44 1 2022 USA 5660 NR Systematic review and metaanalysis II PR NR Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Post-op rate of infection: 1.89%. Wide variety of functional outcomes—heterogeneity precluded further analysis. Prevailing method: Type 1 DP (impaction osteotomies of the nasal pyramid-LD/PD). Minority method: Type 2 DP (dorsal hump modulation of soft tissue without impact osteotomies) 0 3.02% 4.18% 3.48%
Almazov et al7 3 2022 Russia, Barcelona, Azerbaijan 134 28 Retrospective cohort IV PD vs. LD vs. Combination (with PIE) Closed ROE, patient satisfaction 12 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 58.3
12 mo post-op: 92.5
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
96%
1 NR 0.75% 0.75%
Erdal and Genç12 3 2022 Turkey 36 25.3 Retrospective cohort IV DP +/− transection of Pitanguy’s midline ligament Closed Photograph analysis, ROE, subjective patient satisfaction, complications 9 Supratip depression detected:
Preservation group: 4/6 (25%)
Transection group: 0
(p < 0.05)
Median ROE score:
Preservation group: 83
Transection group: 87
Patient satisfaction score:
Transection group: 90%
Preservation group: 87.5%
1 15.38% NR NR
Kosins17 3 2021 USA 100 29 Retrospective cohort IV DP+SSMvs. DP+cartilageonly PD + separate bony pyramid modification vs. DP + cartilage reduction + separate bony pyramid modification Open Complication/revision rates, technique 12 Average lowering:
SSM: 4.5 mm, cartilage only PD: 2.5 mm, cartilage modification: 2 mm
0 1.00% 2.00% 0.00%
Öztürk27 3 2021 Turkey 45 24.2 Retrospective cohort IV Mix-down: PD + LD Closed ROE, patency score 14.1 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.1
12 mo post-op: 92.2
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
92%.
Patency score:
Pre-op: 6.1
12 mo post-op: 9.3
(p = 0.001)
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Öztürk28 3 2021 Turkey 48 23.6 Retrospective cohort IV Partial PD or partial LD Closed ROE 14 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.0 12 mo
post-op: 93.6
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
92%
1 NR NR 0.00%
Robotti et al35 3 2019 Italy, South Africa 41 NR Prospective cohort IV Modified dorsal cartilaginous PD after component separation Open Subjective cosmetic results 6 All patients had favorable outcomes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Taglialatela Scafati and Regalado-Briz41 3 2021 Italy, Mexico 107 28.7 Retrospective cohort IV PR+PIE osteotomy Closed: 88, 19: combined Subjective, complications/revision rates, RHINO score 18 RHINO score: Mean post-op: 85.6 (12.7)
Significant increase (p< 0.001)
1 NR 3.74% 8.40%
Tuncel, Aydogdu45 3 2019 Turkey 520 NR Retrospective cohort IV LD or PD Closed Subjective satisfaction, complication/revision rate 13 < 2mmhump recurrence in 6.5%: 2–3mm hump recurrence in 2.1%. 3–4mm hump recurrence in 3.5%. Successful cosmetic results achieved 0 NR 12.12% 3.50%
Tuncel et al47 3 2021 Turkey 150 29.11 Retrospective cohort IV PD: dorsal hump under 4 mm vs. LD: dorsal hump over 4 mm Closed Subjective, photograph evaluation 12.68 PD for 67 cases. LD for 83 cases. All recurrent cases had a pre-op hump deformity over 4 mm. Correlation between preoperative hump height and hump recurrence 0 NR 5.30% 5.30%
Öztürk25 4 2021 Turkey 43 24.2 Retrospective cohort IV New suture technique NR ROE 15.8 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.6
12 mo post-op: 90.8
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
90.47%
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Cakir et al10 6 2012 Turkey 228 24.3 Retrospective cohort IV Subperichondrial dissection with repair of Pitanguy’s midline ligament Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 9, 36 Limited edema, more rapid patient recovery, subperichondrial dissection easier in revision patients 0 12.72% NR 5.26%
Kosins, Daniel1 6 2020 USA 100 27 Retrospective cohort IV PR-C or PR-P Open Surgical details, subjective cosmetic and functional outcomes, complication/revision rates 13 Details of surgical technique. 0 0.00% 0.00% 3.00%
Kosins18 6 2022 USA 100 28 Retrospective cohort III PR-open vs. PR-closed Open: 56,
closed: 44
Surgical details, complication/revision rates 12 Closed approach favored in minimal dorsal modification and for osseocartilaginous preservation. Open favored for extensive dorsal modifications, complex tip deformity, and tip augmentation 0 0.00% 2.00% 4.00%
Qaradaxi et al34 6 2022 Iraq 113 27.19 Prospective cohort III Subdorsal septal approach to manage V-shaped vs. S-shaped dorsum NR SCHNOS-C, O, operative time, complication/revision rates NR Overall SCHNOS-O, C: Significant improvement post-op. Obstructive improved more in S-shaped deformity 1 22.10% 13.30% NR
Tuncel et al46 6 2022 Turkey 25 28.64 Prospective cohort IV DRF; mirrors technique of Robotti et al35 Open: 13, closed: 12 Nasolabial and nasoglabellar angles 10.3 Nasoglabellar angle:
Pre-op: 136.3°
Post-op: 138.8° Nasolabial angle:
Pre-op: 89.8°
Post-op: 95.4°
(p< 0.014)
1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Note: For abbreviations and footnotes, please see “Notes for Tables 24.”

Table 4.

Evidence characteristics and outcomes: lateral crura preservation techniques

Author(s) Groupa Year Country No. of patients Patient age (mean y) Study type Level of evidence Surgical intervention Approach Primary outcome Mean duration offollow-up (mo) Result summary Significant findingb Complication rate Post-op hump recurrence rate Revision rate
Abdelwahab etal58 2 2021 USA, Egypt 94 NR Retrospective cohort III LCSG vs. mini-LCSG vs. LCO with/without additional support vs. cephalic trimming vs. cephalic turn-in flaps NR LWI, NOSE, VAS, SCHNOS 9 Zone 1 LWI:
Significant improvement in LCO with/with-out support, LCSG and mini-LCSG (p = 0.042, p = 0.041, p< 0.001). Zone 2 LWI: Significant improvement in LCO with support, LCSG
(p = 0.022,
p = 0.004). NOSE: significant improvement in all subgroups analyzed for zone 2 (p<0.05).
SCHNOS-C, VAS-C: significant improvement in all subgroups (p < 0.05)
1 NR NR NR
Abdelwahab and Most66 2 2020 USA, Egypt 33 32 Retrospective cohort IV Mini-LCSG in cosmetic or combined rhinoplasty NR SCHNOS-C, O, NOSE, VAS, LWI 20 Cosmetic group:
LWI-Zone 1:
Pre-op: 0.31 (0.47)
Post-op: 0.00 (0.00) (p= 0.003)
NOSE
Pre-op: 15.96 (15.94)
Post-op: 13.85 (15.51)
SCHNOS-O
Pre-op: 15.19 (19.82)
Post-op: 14.04 (16.85)
SCHNOS-C
Pre-op: 66.92 (18.50)
Post-op: 9.61 (16.54) (p= 0.001) VAS-F
Pre-op: 1.23 (1.68)
Post-op: 1.23(1.21)
VAS-C
Pre-op: 2.50 (2.00)
Post-op: 8.85 (1.52) (p= 0.001)
Combined group:
LWI-Zone 1:
Pre-op: 0.57 (0.53)
Post-op: 0.00 (0.00) (p=0.03)
NOSE
Pre-op: 77.86 (14.96)
Post-op: 23.92
(30.95) (p= 0.003)
SCHNOS-O
Pre-op: 82.86 (12.54)
Post-op: 27.50 (31.12) (p= 0.004)
SCHNOS-C
Pre-op: 65.24 (19.23)
Post-op: 11.66 (10.83) (p = 0.001)
VAS-F
Pre-op: 8.00 (1.29) Post-op: 3.00 (3.06) (p= 0.008) VAS-C
Pre-op: 4.57 (1.51)
Post-op: 7.43 (3.64)
1 NR NR NR
Alkarzae and Bafaqeeh61 2 2020 SAU 120 23 Retrospective cohort IV Turn-in flap Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 24 Symmetrical reduction of LLC 0 0.00% NR 5.00%
Boccieri and Marianetti62 2 2010 Italy 32 NR Prospective cohort IV Barrel roll technique—rotation of lateral crus NR Rhinomanometric data, subjective aesthetic improvement, revision/ complication rate NR Significant improvement in nasal airway resistance using rhinomanometric data. All displayed functional and aesthetic improvement 0 NR NR 3.13%
Bulut60 2 2021 Turkey 30 31.6 Prospective cohort IV CLCA flap Open ROE, VAS 12 ROE: 93% satisfaction rate. VAS-F: Pre-op: 4.56(1.53) 12 mo post-op: 9.0 (0.65) (p< 0.001) 1 NR NR 0%
Cabbar-zade72 2 2022 Azerbaijan 94 34 Retrospective cohort IV Skin tensioning technique Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 24 All patients verbally stated satisfaction 0 0.00% NR NR
Darzi et al71 2 2021 Iran 54 26.32 Randomized controlled trial II LCC vs. MCC Open SCHNOS, nasolabial angle and projection 12 Nasal tip projection:
Pre op:
MCC 64.08 (5.09)
LCC 62.22 (4.64)
Post-op: 3 mo
MCC 62.90 (5.04)
LCC 6216 (4.30) Post op: 12 mo
MCC 61.03 (4.24)
(p = 0.003)
LCC 61.16(4.60) Nasal tip rotation:
Pre op:
MCC 90.45 (10.49)
LCC 90.56 (11.43)
Post-op: 3 mo
MCC 104.51 (6.92)
LCC 104.7 (10.21)
Post op: 12 mo
MCC 102.28 (6.15)
(p = 0.0001)
LCC 102.43 (10.06)
(p = 0.0001)
SCHNOS-O: % difference between 3 and 12 mo post-op
MCC-31.92 (35.01)
LCC-23.40 (28.13)
SCHNOS-C: difference between 3 and 12 mo post-op
MCC-51.15 (2.013)
LCC-42.87 (20.52)
MCC resulted in significantly higher change in SCHNOS-C
(p = 0.046)
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Foda and Kridel68 2 1999 Egypt 28 32.5 Prospective clinical trial II LCS vs. LCO Open nasofacial angle, Goode ratio, nasolabial angle, rotation angle 6 Goode-Ratio pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCS 0.06 (0.03)
LCO −0.05 (0.02)
(p< 0.001)
Nasofacial angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCS 3.22(1.52)
LCO-3.80 (1.32)
Nasolabial angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCS 9.67 (6.64)
LCO 12.80 (4.47)
Rotation angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCS 9.77(1.63)
LCO 12.40 (1.35)
(p< 0.001)
1 NR NR NR
Foda67 2 2003 Egypt 306 26.5 Retrospective cohort III LCSvs. LCO vs.TING Open nasolabial angle, rotation angle, Goode ratio, nasofacial angle 12 Nasolabial angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCO 11.8(4.3)
(p< 0.001)
LCS 8.9 (4.5)
(p< 0.001)
TING 7.1 (4.6)
(p< 0.001)
Rotation angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCO 13 (2.8)
(p< 0.001)
LCS 11 (1.4)
(p< 0.001)
TING 8.5 (1.8)
(p< 0.001)
LCO- significantly more rotation (p< 0.001)
Goode-Ratio pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCO −0.06 (0.03)
(p< 0.001)
LCS 0.07 (0.02)
(p< 0.001)
TING 0.02 (0.04)
Nasofacial angle pre- and post-op mean difference:
LCO 4.1 (1.4)
(p< 0.001)
LCS 3.2 (1.2)
(p< 0.001)
TING 0.4 (0.9)
1 NR NR NR
Foulad et al57 2 2017 USA 114 43 Retrospective cohort IV LCT method rhinoplasty NR Complications/revision rates 8.7 NR 0 1.80% NR 5.30%
Gentile and Cervelli69 2 2022 Italy 35 NR Randomized controlled trial II LCS + TING vs. cartilage grafts control group NR Subjective cosmetic and functional results 36 82.9% of patients showed excellent cosmetic and functional results in LCS +TING. 40% in control. Tip projection maintenance and contour restoring higher in LCS + TING group 0 NR NR NR
Ghazipour et al70 2 2008 Iran 60 26.2 Prospective clinical trial II Group A: Narrowing transdomal sutures + columellarstrut. Group B: Narrowing transdomal sutures + columellar strut + LCS Open Nasofacial angle, Goode ratio, nasolabial angle 6 Mean difference-Goode Ratio pre- and post-op:
Group A: −0.063
(0.02) (p< 0.001)
Group B: −0.065
(0.018) (p< 0.001)
Mean difference-nasofacial angle pre- and post-op:
Group A: −4.34 (1.95) (p< 0.001) Group B; −2.107 (1.19) (p< 0.001)
Mean difference- nasolabial angle pre- and post-op: Group A: −16.68 (5.48) (p< 0.001) Group B: −11 (4.89)
(p< 0.001)
Group B: Significantly more increase in tip projection and rotation (p < 0.05)
1 NR NR NR
Gruber et al56 2 2010 USA 14 NR Prospective cohort IV Rhinoplasty with preservation of lateral crus Open Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Bulbosity corrected in each case. No significant increase in alar- nostril axis measurement 0 NR NR 21.43%
Langsdon et al55 2 2021 USA 20 NR Retrospective cohort IV LCST NR nasolabial angle measurement NR Mean nasolabial angle:
Pre-op: 86.9
Post-op: 98.5
(p < 0.0001)
1 NR NR NR
Murakami et al54 2 2009 USA 18 NR Prospective cohort IV Turn in flap Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 9 Satisfactory nasal tip refinement in all cases. Symmetric reduction of lower lateral cartilage in all cases 0 0.00% NR NR
Öztürk52 2 2020 Turkey 51 29.2 Retrospective cohort IV Sandwich technique with scroll ligament preservation Closed ROE, nasal patency, patient satisfaction 14.2 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 70.1
12 mo post-op: 91.2 (p= 0.002)
Patient satisfaction: 92%
Patency score:
Pre-op: 9.4
12 mo post-op: 6.1
(= 0.003)
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Paquet et al65 2 2016 USA 54 41.3 Prospective cohort III LCR Open photograph analysis and measurement, modified Gunter technique 11.3 Mean anterior nostril apex:
Pre-op: 31.3° (8.9°)
Post-op: 24.5° (6.8°)
Net decrease all groups: 6.8°
(p< 0.001)
Net decrease (LCR only): 6.9
(p< 0.001)
Net decrease (LCR + LCSG): 6.7
(p< 0.001)
1 NR NR NR
Sazgar64 2 2010 Iran 28 NR Prospective cohort IV HRCH Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 14 Nasal tip fine and stable in all patients 0 0.00% NR 0.00%
Sazgar63 2 2010 Iran 23 NR Retrospective cohort IV LCST + cephalic turn in flap Open nasal tip rotation and projection 11 Increase in the degree of nasal tip rotation. Notable increase in the postoperative values of the nasolabial angle. Symmetric reduction of LLC 0 0.00% NR NR
Tebbetts53 2 1994 USA 235 NR Retrospective cohort IV no scoring, morselization, transection, or resection of rim strip NR Subjective, complications/revision rates NR NR 0 0.00% NR 0.85%
Tellioglu and Cimen59 2 2007 Turkey 32 24 Prospective cohort IV Turn-in folding Open Subjective, complications/revision rates NR Satisfactory results were achieved 0 0.00% NR NR
Öztürk25 4 2021 Turkey 43 24.2 Retrospective cohort IV New suture technique NR ROE 15.8 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.6
12 mo post-op: 90.8 (p< 0.001) Patient satisfaction: 90.47%
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Küçüker et al49 5 2014 Turkey 147 29.2 Prospective cohort IV Cartilage-saving PR Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 19.6 91.7% overall satisfaction rate. 86.3% functional satisfaction rate 0 NR NR 1.36%
Öztürk50 5 2020 Turkey 190 24.3 Retrospective cohort IV Superior based sliding flap technique Closed ROE, patency score 12 Patient satisfaction: 95%.
Patency scores:
Pre-op: 6.2
12 mo post-op: 8.8
(p< 0.001)
ROE: Median 12 mo post-op score of 90.5
1 NR NR 0.00%
Sazgar and Most51 5 2011 USA, Iran 102 NR Prospective cohort IV lobular refinement w/ CHF vs. reduction of vertical height of LC + CHF vs. crural setback with CHF vs. horizontal and vertical reduction of LC + CHF NR Subjective cosmetic and functional results, complications 15 Satisfactory results achieved 0 0.00% NR 0.98%
Cakiretal10 6 2012 Turkey 228 24.3 Retrospective cohort IV Subperichondrial dissection with repair of Pita n guy’s midline ligament Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 9, 36 Limited edema, more rapid patient recovery, subperichondrial dissection easier in revision patients 0 12.72% NR 5.26%
Kosins and Daniel1 6 2020 USA 100 27 Retrospective cohort IV PR-C or PR-P Open Surgical details, subjective cosmetic and functional outcomes, complication/revision rates 13 Details of surgical technique 0 0.00% 0.00% 3.00%
Kosins18 6 2022 USA 100 28 Retrospective cohort III PR-open vs. PR-closed Open-56,
Closed-44
Surgical details, complication/revision rates 12 Closed approach favored in minimal dorsal modification and for osseocartilaginous preservation. Open favored for extensive dorsal modifications, complex tip deformity, and tip augmentation 0 0.00% 2.00% 4.00%
Qaradaxi et al34 6 2022 Iraq 113 27.19 Prospective cohort III sub-dorsal septal approach to manage V-shaped vs. S-shaped dorsum NR SCHNOS-C, O, operative time, complication/revision rates NR Overall SCHNOS-O, C: Significant improvement postop. Obstructive improved more in S-shaped deformity 1 22.10% 13.30% NR
Tuncel et al46 6 2022 Turkey 25 28.64 Prospective cohort IV DRF Open: 13,
Closed: 12
Nasolabial and nasoglabellar angles 10.3 Nasoglabellar angle:
Pre-op: 136.3°
Post-op: 138.8°
Nasolabial angle:
Pre-op: 89.8°
Post-op: 95.4°
(p< 0.014)
1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Note: For abbreviations and footnotes, please see “Notes for Tables 2–4.”

Of note, the majority of studies in Groups 1 and 2 were published in 2019 or later (89.4%, 82.4%). However, 50% of studies included in Group 3 were published prior to 2019. Most studies were also published from institutions outside of North America with only 25.7% submitted by institutions within the United States or Canada. 11.4% of included references were level II evidence with 88.6% being level III or IV. No level I evidence was found. In total, 53% (37) studies reported standardized outcome measures. 47% (33) and 57% (40) of references included complication and revision rates, respectively.

Discussion

DPR has become increasingly popular among rhinoplasty surgeons since 2018 with descriptions of surgical techniques and outcomes increasing in the literature starting in 2019. Contemporary preservation rhinoplasty technique includes a combination of three independent components including reduction of the dorsal bony-cartilaginous complex, subperichondrial dissection with preservation of ligaments and the soft-tissue envelope, and minimal resection of lateral crura with innovative graft or suture techniques. Despite a renewed interest in contemporary preservation techniques, there is a lack of high-level evidence and appraisal of patient outcomes in the current literature. We aim to evaluate the current evidence-based literature available for the three independent components of the modern preservation technique.

Group 1: Dorsal Preservation Component

We defined the dorsal preservation component as any technique that reduces the bony-cartilaginous complex in the process of hump reduction without disruption of the dorsal vault or destruction of tissue. This group includes the largest number of references which is 46 in total, with 4 containing level II evidence (8.7%), 8 being level III evidence (17.4%), and 34 being level IV evidence (73.9%). Nine of these references are also included in Group 2 (19.6%), one in Group 3 (2.2%), and five in all the three groups (10.9%). Forty-two (91.3%) of these references were published in 2019 or later and only 9 (19.6%) were published by an academic institution located in the United States or Canada. Of the references reporting surgical details, 66.7% used closed approach for the majority of cases, with 33.3% open approach. Twenty-four (52.2%) cohort studies used validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate cosmetic and/or functional results following a variety of dorsal preservation techniques. PROMs used include the Utrecht Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty (OAR), Visual Analog Scale—functional and cosmetic (VAS-C, VAS-F), Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), Likert scale for nasal patency, Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey—cosmetic and obstructive (SCHNOS-C, SCHNOS-O), and the Rhinoplasty Health Inventory and Nasal Outcomes scale (RHINO). Please see the dorsal preservation group included in Table 2 for all reference details.13,648

To our knowledge, only four studies directly compare dorsal preservation technique to conventional dorsal resection rhinoplasty.6,13,31,43 Ferreira et al conducted a randomized prospective cohort study examining PROMs following component dorsal hump reduction (CDR) versus spare roof technique (SRT).13 In 125 randomly selected patients undergoing primary rhinoplasty, compared to CDR, the SRT technique resulted in significantly more improvement in both the VAS-C (4.6 vs. 3.7, p < 0.001) and VAS-F (4.0 vs. 3.1, p = 0.001).13 Additional comparative studies focus on traditional preservation techniques (e.g., let-down technique, push-down technique). Support for the let-down preservation rhinoplasty technique is provided by Taş and Erden with a prospective cohort study of 50 patients resulting in significant postoperative improvement in mean [SD] NOSE (13.2 [5.3] vs. 3.8 [2.9], p < 0.001), SNOT-22 (41.8 [23.6] vs. 13.1 [11.5], p < 0.001), and VAS scores (7.0 [2.3] vs. 2.0 [1.4], p < 0.001).43 However, when compared to traditional open rhinoplasty with spreader graft, there was no significant difference in PROM between groups.43 Alan et al also demonstrated no significant difference in NOSE or SCHNOS-O/C scores between a structural rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty group in a prospective trial of 34 patients.6 Similarly, Patel et al conducted a retrospective matched cohort study of 163 patients directly comparing structural preservation rhinoplasty to conventional hump resection.31 No significant difference in SCHNOS-O or VAS-F was seen between groups at both short-term (<6 months) and long-term (>6 months) follow-up. VAS-C scores were significantly higher in the structural preservation group at short-term follow-up (8.9 [1.6] vs. 8.2 [2.3], p = 0.03), but this did not persist long-term.31

Of other noncomparative studies that include PROMs, evidence for use of the SRT was the most robust.36,38 In the first 100 patients undergoing this technique, there was a significant improvement in mean aesthetic VAS-C scores at 3 and 12 months (3.7 [0.2] vs. 8.1 [0.1] vs. 8.4 [0.1], p < 0.001).38 Complete preservation of all three components with the subdorsal septal approach has also resulted in significant improvement postoperatively for both V- and S-shaped nasal dorsum deformities, with obstruction improving more in the S-shaped group.34 Patel et al also provided support for the use of the subdorsal strip method with or without functional rhinoplasty.30,32 In 22 patients, VAS-F and SCHNOS-O did not significantly change following cosmetic preservation rhinoplasty alone. However, there was no deterioration in SCHNOS-O scores, suggesting that dorsal preservation techniques do not worsen nasal obstruction.30,32

Additional level IV studies demonstrate statistically significant improvement in cosmetic and functional outcomes based on ROE, patency Likert scale, SCHNOS-O/C, VAS-C/F, and RHINO scores following a variety of dorsal preservation techniques including let-down technique, push-down technique, suturing techniques, subdorsal strip method, and dorsal roof technique. However, none of these studies directly compare preservation rhinoplasty techniques to conventional resection.3,7,12,2128,4042 The remaining references include subjective or photographic evaluation of cosmetic and/or functional outcomes as well as analysis of complication rate, postoperative dorsal hump recurrence, and revision rates.1,2,8,10,11,1417,20,33,35,37,39,4548 Overall, the DPR techniques are reported to have a complication rate ranging from 0 to 25.80% with the majority of reported complications being minor.1,9,10,12,13,1618,2327,30,34,35,37,39,40,44,46 Reported postoperative dorsal hump recurrence rates ranged from 0 to 36.9% with the most dorsal hump recurrence occurring following the classical septum pyramidal adjustment and repositioning (SPAR) approach in complex rhinoplasty cases.1,2,7,13,1518,2022,29,30,34,35,41,42,4447 Postoperative dorsal hump revision rates were reported by 25 studies and ranged from 0 to 15%.1,2,7,911,13,15,17,18,2028,35,4042,4448 The most benefit was seen after dorsal preservation in straight noses with traditional rhinoplasty being suggested in difficult cases or in patients with thick skin across multiple references.15,20,48

Although there has been an increase in the number of references including PROMs following dorsal preservation techniques since 2019, many of these studies provide low levels of evidence. We identified only four studies that directly compare dorsal preservation techniques to conventional hump resection. Although numerous studies report high patient satisfaction following dorsal preservation techniques, three out of the four comparative studies included found no significant difference in PROMs between preservation rhinoplasty and conventional structural rhinoplasty. Further research should focus on high-level, prospective, comparative studies to fully understand the benefit, as well as the complication rate, of dorsal preservation techniques across different patient populations

Group 2: Soft-Tissue Preservation Component

We defined soft-tissue preservation as any technique including subperichondrial dissection for the preservation of ligaments and other soft tissue. This group includes the smallest number of references which is 17 in total, with 2 (11.8%) being level III evidence and 15 (88.2%) being level IV. Of these 17 references, all overlap with other groups, with 9 overlapping with Group 1 (52.9%), 3 overlapping with Group 3 (17.6%), and 5 being included in all the three groups (29.4%). Fourteen (82.4%) of these articles were published in 2019 or later and 4 (23.5%) were published by academic institutions in the United States. Of the references reporting surgical details, 53.3% used a closed approach rhinoplasty for the majority of cases, with 46.7% using an open approach. Please see the soft-tissue preservation group included in Table 3 for all reference details.1,7,10,12,17,18,27,28,34,35,41,4547,4951

Table 3.

Evidence characteristics and outcomes: soft-tissue preservation techniques

Author(s) Groupa Year Country No. of patients Patient age (mean y) Study type Level of evidence Surgical intervention Approach Primary outcome Mean duration of follow-up (mo) Result summary Significant findingb Complication rate Post-op hump recurrence rate Revision rate
Almazov et al7 3 2022 Russia, Barcelona, Azerbaijan 134 28 Retrospective cohort IV PD vs. LD vs. Combination (with PIE) Closed ROE, patient satisfaction 12 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 58.3 12 mo post-op: 92.5
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
96%
1 NR 0.75% 0.75%
Erdal and Genç12 3 2022 Turkey 36 25.3 Retrospective cohort IV DP +/− transection of Pitanguy’s midline ligament Closed Photograph analysis, ROE, subjective patient satisfaction, complications 9 Supratip depression detected:
Preservation group: 4/6 (25%)
Transection group: 0 (p<0.05)
Median ROE score:
Preservation group: 83
Transection group: 87
Patient satisfaction score:
Transection group: 90%
Preservation group: 87.5%
1 15.38% NR NR
Kosins17 3 2021 USA 100 29 Retrospective cohort IV DP+SSMvs. DP+cartilageonly PD +separate bony pyramid modification vs. DP + cartilage reduction + separate bony pyramid modification Open Complication/revision rates, technique 12 Average lowering: SSM-4.5 mm, cartilage only PD:
2.5 mm, cartilage modification: 2 mm
0 1.00% 2.00% 0.00%
Öztürk27 3 2021 Turkey 45 24.2 Retrospective cohort IV Mix-down: PD + LD Closed ROE, patency score 14.1 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.1
12 mo post-op: 92.2
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
92%.
Patency score:
Pre-op: 6.1
12 mo post-op: 9.3
(p = 0.001)
1 0.00% NR 0.00%
Öztürk28 3 2021 Turkey 48 23.6 Retrospective cohort IV Partial PD or. partial LD Closed ROE 14 Median ROE:
Pre-op: 60.0
12 mo post-op: 93.6
(p< 0.001)
Patient satisfaction:
92%
1 NR NR 0.00%
Robotti et al35 3 2019 Italy, South Africa 41 NR Prospective cohort IV Modified dorsal cartilaginous PD after component separation Open Subjective cosmetic results 6 All patients had favorable outcomes 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Taglialatela Scafati and Regalado-Briz41 3 2021 Italy, Mexico 107 28.7 Retrospective cohort IV PR + PIE osteotomy Closed: 88, 19 combined Subjective, complications/revision rates, RHINO score 18 RHINO score:
Mean post-op: 85.6 (12.7)
Significant increase
(p< 0.001)
1 NR 3.74% 8.40%
Tuncel, Aydogdu45 3 2019 Turkey 520 NR Retrospective cohort IV LD or PD Closed Subjective satisfaction, complication/ revision rate 13 < 2mmhump recurrence in 6.5%: 2–3mm hump recurrence in 2.1%. 3–4mm hump recurrence in 3.5%. Successful cosmetic results achieved 0 NR 12.12% 3.50%
Tuncel et al47 3 2021 Turkey 150 29.11 Retrospective cohort IV PD—dorsal hump under 4 mm vs. LD— dorsal hump over 4 mm Closed Subjective, photograph evaluation 12.68 PD for 67 cases. LD for 83 cases. All recurrent cases had a pre-op hump deformity over 4 mm. Correlation between preoperative hump height and hump recurrence 0 NR 5.30% 5.30%
Küçüker et al49 5 2014 Turkey 147 29.2 Prospective cohort IV Cartilage—saving PR Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 19.6 91.7% overall satisfaction rate. 86.3% functional satisfaction rate 0 NR NR 1.36%
Öztürk50 5 2020 Turkey 190 24.3 Retrospective cohort IV Superior-based sliding flap technique Closed ROE, patency score 12 Patient satisfaction:
95%.
Patency scores:
Pre-op: 6.2
12 mo post-op: 8.8
(p< 0.001)
ROE: Median 12 mo post-op score of 90.5
1 NR NR 0.00%
Sazgar and Most51 5 2011 USA, Iran 102 NR Prospective cohort IV lobular refinement w/ CHF vs. reduction of vertical height of LC + CHF vs. crural setback with CHF vs. horizontal and vertical reduction of LC + CHF NR Subjective cosmetic and functional results, complications 15 Satisfactory results achieved 0 0.00% NR 0.98%
Cakir et al10 6 2012 Turkey 228 24.3 Retrospective cohort IV Subperichondrial dissection with repair of Pita n guy’s midline ligament Open Subjective, complications/revision rates 9, 36 Limited edema, more rapid patient recovery, subperichondrial dissection easier in revision patients 0 12.72% NR 5.26%
Kosins and Daniel1 6 2020 USA 100 27 Retrospective cohort IV PR-C or PR-P Open Surgical details, subjective cosmetic and functional outcomes, complication/revision rates 13 Details of surgical technique 0 0.00% 0.00% 3.00%
Kosins18 6 2022 USA 100 28 Retrospective cohort III PR-open vs. PR-closed Open: 56, closed: 44 Surgical details, complication/revision rates 12 Closed approach favored in minimal dorsal modification and for osseocartilaginous preservation. Open favored for extensive dorsal modifications, complex tip deformity, and tip augmentation 0 0.00% 2.00% 4.00%
Qaradaxi et al34 6 2022 Iraq 113 27.19 Prospective cohort III Subdorsal septal approach to manage V-shaped vs. S-shaped dorsum NR SCHNOS-C, O, operative time, complication/revision rates NR Overall SCHNOS-O, C: Significant improvement post-op. Obstructive improved more in S-shaped deformity 1 22.10% 13.30% NR
Tuncel et al46 6 2022 Turkey 25 28.64 Prospective cohort IV DRF Open: 13, closed: 12 Nasolabial and nasoglabellar angles 10.3 Naso-glabellar angle:
Pre-op: 136.3°
Post-op: 138.8° Nasolabial angle:
Pre-op: 89.8°
Post-op: 95.4°
(p< 0.014)
1 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Note: For abbreviations and footnotes, please see “Notes for Tables 24.”

No studies included in this category directly compare preservation techniques to conventional structural rhinoplasty. The highest level of evidence is available for the subdorsal septal approach proposed by Qaradaxi et al.34 The goal of this technique is nasal hump reduction with minimal dissection of the soft-tissue envelope of the nasal dorsum, which encompasses all three preservation techniques well.34 In 113 prospectively analyzed patients, there was a significant improvement in overall SCHNOS-O/C scores following the use of this comprehensive preservation technique (p < 0.001). Improved subjective outcomes after osseocartilaginous preservation were also found after closed preservation rhinoplasty when directly compared to the open approach.18 However, this retrospective analysis was based on subjective physician-graded outcomes and does not include statistically analyzed data.

Six additional, low-level, noncomparative studies use the RHINO score, ROE scale, and/or nasal patency Likert scale for the evaluation of cosmetic and functional outcomes following soft-tissue preservation techniques.7,12,27,28,41,50 Notably, significant improvement in RHINO score (p < 0.001) and nasal patency scores (6.2 vs. 8.8, p < 0.001) following scroll and pyriform ligament preservation during rhinoplasty was demonstrated in two studies.41,50 However, Erdal and Genç demonstrated no significant difference in ROE scores following DPR either with or without transection (87 vs. 83) of Pitanguy’s midline ligament, although supratip depression was found to be higher in the preservation group when compared to conventional transection (25 vs. 0%, p < 0.05).12

The remaining studies in this group report subjective outcomes, complication rates, or revision rates with no statistically analyzed data. Overall, 10 included studies report complication rates ranging from 0.0 to 23.3% following preservation rhinoplasty techniques that include soft-tissue conservation.1,10,12,17,18,27,34,35,46,51 No major complications or pollybeak deformities were reported.12 One study found decreased edema following subperichondrial dissection with preservation of Pitanguy’s midline ligament as well as more rapid patient recovery.10 Subperichondrial dissection was also noted to be easier in revision rhinoplasty patients.10 Fifteen studies also reported revision rates ranging from 0.0 to 8.40% with most patients reporting high cosmetic or functional satisfaction following soft-tissue preservation rhinoplasty techniques.1,7,10,17,18,27,28,35,41,4547,4951

Overall, the evidence for contemporary soft-tissue preservation techniques is severely lacking, with no studies that directly compare preservation techniques to conventional rhinoplasty. Prospective, comparative, longitudinal studies analyzing PROMs following a variety of soft-tissue preservation techniques will be imperative as preservation rhinoplasty techniques grow in popularity.

Group 3: Lateral Crural Preservation Component

We defined lateral crural preservation as any technique aimed at nasal tip refinement with minimal lateral crural resection. Techniques reviewed in this group include lateral crural steal (LCS), lateral crural overlay (LCO), tongue in groove technique (TING), lateral crural strut grafts (LCSG), cephalic turn-in flaps, and the cephalic hinged flap. Our focus for this section was on published literature that includes outcomes following lateral crural tensioning. We acknowledge that many additional techniques exist and that our search does not encompass all suture methods used in preservation rhinoplasty procedures. The group included 30 total references with 4 (13.3%) level II studies, 5 (16.7%) level III studies, and 21 (70%) level IV studies. Of the 30 references included in this group, 1 (3.3%) is included in Group 1, 3 (10%) are included in Group 2, and 5 (16.7%) are included in all the three groups. Of note, half of these references were published prior to 2019 and 37% were published by academic institutions located in the United States. Of the references reporting surgical details, 10% used a closed approach rhinoplasty for the majority of cases, with 90% utilizing an open approach. Please see the lateral crural preservation group included in Table 4 for all reference details.1,10,18,25,34,46,4972

To our knowledge, there are no references that directly compare lateral crural preservation techniques to conventional rhinoplasty. The highest level of evidence (level II) is currently available for LCS, LCO, and TING techniques.6871 Foda and Kridel first demonstrated rhinoplasty technique with LCS or LCO for nasal tip repositioning in 1999.68 In this prospective clinical trial, 28 patients had a significant increase in nasal tip projection and rotation following the LCS technique (p < 0.001), but only a significant increase in tip rotation following the LCO technique (p < 0.001). It was concluded that the LCO technique resulted in a significantly higher change in rotation (12.4 [1.4] vs. 9.8 [1.6], p < 0.001) when compared to LCS, and should be used for patients with severe tip under-rotation.68 Similarly, a significant difference in Goode ratio (−0.1 [0.01], p < 0.001), nasofacial angle (−2.1 [1.2], p < 0.001), and nasolabial angle (−11.0 [4.9], p < 0.001) was seen by Ghazipour et al with a prospective clinical trial for the treatment of underprojected nasal tip with LCS.70 When compared to traditional suture techniques, the addition of LCS resulted in a significantly greater change in nasal tip projection and rotation (p < 0.05). Recently, references have assessed PROMs following the LCO, LCS, and TING techniques in primary preservation rhinoplasty.69,71 Darzi et al demonstrated no significant difference in change in SCHNOS-O at 3 and 12 months postoperatively in the lateral crural cut and overlay group when compared to the medial crural cut and overlay group (−23.4 [28.1] vs. −31.9 [35.0]).71 Gentile and Cervelli then demonstrated better tip projection maintenance and contour following primary preservation rhinoplasty with either LCS or TING techniques when compared to a traditional cartilage graft control group (p < 0.001).69

Seven additional references included PROMs in the analysis of lateral crural preservation techniques.25,34,50,52,58,60,66 Significant improvement in ROE, nasal patency scores, SCHNOS-C/O, NOSE, and VAS-F/C was seen following the sandwich technique described by Öztürk, as well as the mini-LCSG, LCSG, cephalic lateral crural advancement (CLCA) flap, LCO technique, cephalic turn-in flap, and superior-based sliding flap technique with complete cartilage preservation.25,50,52,58,60,66 Significant improvement was also seen in SCHNOS-O/C scores following a subdorsal septal approach encompassing all three preservation techniques.34 Abdelwahab et al found a significant improvement in both SCHNOS-C and VAS-C (p < 0.05) for all lateral crural preservation techniques in cosmetic rhinoplasty.58,66 Similarly, Öztürk and Bulutboth demonstrated a significant improvement in ROE score at 12 months following either the sandwich technique or CLCA flap.52,60 Improvement in SCHNOS-O score was seen only in combined cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty with mini-LCSG, although there was an improvement in nasal patency Likert scale scores or VAS-F following both the sandwich technique and CLCA flap.52,60,66

The remaining references included in this group focus on subjective outcomes, complication rates, and revisions rates with no statistically significant data available.1,10,18,46,49 51,53,54,56,57,59,6164,72 Seventeen studies reported complication rates ranging from 0.00 to 22.10%.1,10,18,25,34,46,5153 54,57,59,61,63,64,71,72 Notably, the highest complication rate occurred following the subdorsal septal approach for the complete preservation of all three components in either S- or V-shaped nasal deformities.34 Similarly, 16 studies reported low revision rates ranging from 0.00 to 5.3%.1,10,18,25,46,4952 53,57,6062,64,71 A single study by Gruber et al demonstrated a high revision rate of 21.4% following a rhinoplasty technique with preservation of the lateral crus in 14 patients with alar retraction.56

Much of the evidence for lateral crural preservation techniques is not comparative and does not include validated PROMs. New, prospective, comparative studies focused on validated outcome measures such as the SCHNOS and VAS surveys are needed to better inform rhinoplasty surgeons on the best techniques for preservation of the lateral crura.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the current evidence-based literature available for the three independent components of the modern preservation technique. Our search strategy resulted in the identification of two systematic reviews summarizing PROMs, as well as complication and revision rates following preservation rhinoplasty. Tham et al found similar results to our current study in an analysis of 22 studies of the preservation rhinoplasty technique.44 With grouped analysis of 18 studies, they determined overall complication rates, dorsal hump recurrence rates, and revision rates of 3, 4.2, and 3.5% respectively. Unfortunately, analysis of functional and cosmetic outcomes was not run due to heterogeneity in the wide variety of PROMs.44 Levin et al similarly found a low number of studies quantifying patient satisfaction following a variety of preservation rhinoplasty techniques.19 It is evident that critical analysis of long-term patient-reported cosmetic and functional outcomes is imperative as preservation rhinoplasty techniques become increasingly popular. Although numerous studies have reported positive patient outcomes following all three categories of preservation technique, the analysis of how long-term outcomes compare to conventional dorsal hump reduction techniques is needed.

Conclusions

There has been resurgence in interest in preservation rhinoplasty techniques since 2018. It is likely that contemporary preservation rhinoplasty techniques will continue to evolve and increase in popularity. However, there is still a significant lack of literature comparing preservation techniques to conventional structural rhinoplasty. Although studies have consistently reported positive outcomes following preservation technique and more recent studies have documented improvement in validation PROMs, further analysis of long-term outcomes is needed to better inform rhinoplasty surgeons of the most appropriate preservation technique for each patient population.

Groupsa
1 Group 1 only
2 Group 3 only
3 Groups 1 and 2
4 Groups 1 and 3
5 Groups 2 and 3
6 All groups
Abbreviations
DP Dorsal preservation technique LCO Lateral crural overlay
DR Dorsal resection technique CLCA Cephalic lateral crural advancement
PR Preservation rhinoplasty technique LCC Lateral crural cut + overlay
SR Structural rhinoplasty technique MCC Medial Crural Cut+Overlay
PR-C Complete preservation rhinoplasty LCS Lateral crural steal
PR-P Partial preservation rhinoplasty TING Tongue in groove technique
SPR Structural preservation rhinoplasty LCT Lateral crural tensioning
CHR Conventional hump resection LCST Lateral crural setback technique
SPAR Septum pyramidal adjustment and repositioning technique LCR Lateral crural repositioning
CDR Component dorsal hump reduction PIE Piezoelectric instrument
CDRT Cartilaginous dorsum repositioning technique LC Lateral crura
LD Let-down technique LLC Lower lateral cartilage
PD Push-down technique INV Internal nasal valve
SRT Spare roof technique NOSE Nasal obstruction and symptom evaluation score
DRT Dorsal roof technique SCHNOS Standardized cosmesis and health nasal outcomes survey (0 = obstructive, C = cosmetic)
DRF Dorsal roof flap VAS Visual analog scale (F = functional, C = cosmetic)
ADP Asymmetric dorsal preservation ROE Rhinoplasty outcome evaluation score
SSM Subdorsal strip method OAR Utrecht Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty
MSSM Modified subdorsal strip method SNOT-22 Sinonasal Outcome Test-22
WR Wedge resection RHINO Rhinoplasty health inventory and nose outcome score
CHF Cephalic hinged flap LWI Lateral wall insufficiency score
HRCH Horizontal reduction with a cephalic hinged flap BTL Brow-tip aesthetic line
LCSG Lateral crural strut graft PE Physical exam
TNV Total nasal volume TNR Total nasal resistance
Significant findingb
1 Yes
0 No

Appendix 1

PubMed Search:

Dorsal Preservation Terms:

(“Dorsal”[Title/Abstract] OR “dorsum”[Title/Abstract] OR “hump”[Title/Abstract] OR “nose”[Title/Abstract] OR “mid vault”[Title/Abstract] OR “nasal”[Title/Abstract]) AND (“Preservation”[Title/Abstract] OR “preserve”[Title/Abstract] OR “preserving”[Title/Abstract] OR “push down”[Title/Abstract] OR “let down”[Title/Abstract])

Soft Tissue Preservation Terms:

(“Rhinoplasty”[MeSH Terms] OR “rhinoseptoplasty”[Title/Abstract] OR “nose”[Title/Abstract] OR “nasal”[Title/Abstract]) AND (“Preservation”[Title/Abstract] OR “preserving”[Title/Abstract] OR “preserve”[Title/Abstract]) AND (“Ligament”[Title/Abstract] OR “soft tissue”[Title/Abstract] OR “subperichondrial”[Title/Abstract])

Lateral Crural Preservation Terms:

(“Nose”[Title/Abstract] OR “nasal”[Title/Abstract] OR “ala”[-Title/Abstract] OR “alar”[Title/Abstract] OR “lateral crura”[-Title/Abstract] OR “lateral crural”[Title/Abstract] OR “nasal cartilage”[Title/Abstract] OR “lateral crus”[Title/Abstract]) AND (“strut” [Title/Abstract] OR “overlay” [Title/Abstract] OR “tension” [Title/Abstract])

Footnotes

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

References

  • 1.Kosins AM, Daniel RK. Decision making in preservation rhinoplasty: a 100 case series with one-year follow-up. Aesthet Surg J 2020;40(01):34–48 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Saban Y, Daniel RK, Polselli R, Trapasso M, Palhazi P. Dorsal preservation: the push down technique reassessed. Aesthet Surg J 2018;38(02):117–131 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Patel PN, Abdelwahab M, Most SP. A review and modification of dorsal preservation rhinoplasty techniques. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2020;22(02):71–79 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Abdelwahab M, Patel PN. Conventional resection versus preservation of the nasal dorsum and ligaments: an anatomic perspective and review of the literature. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2021;29(01):15–28 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Patel PN, Kandathil CK, Buba CM, et al. Global practice patterns of dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2022;24(03):171–177 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Alan MA, Kahraman ME, Yüksel F, Yücel A. Comparison of dorsal preservation and dorsal reduction rhinoplasty: analysis of nasal patency and aesthetic outcomes by rhinomanometry, NOSE and SCHNOS scales. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2023;47(02):728–734 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Almazov I, Rovira RV, Farhadov V. Closed piezo preservation rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022;46(03):1342–1350 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Azimov G Cartilaginous dorsum repositioning technique. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2021;9(01):e3151. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Cabbarzade C A new algorithm for hump reduction according to dynamics of dorsal preservation. Aesthet Surg J 2019;39(12): NP547–NP549 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Cakir B, Oreroğlu AR, Doğan T, Akan M. A complete subperichondrial dissection technique for rhinoplasty with management of the nasal ligaments. Aesthet Surg J 2012;32(05):564–574 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Dewes W, Zappelini CEM, Ferraz MBJ, Neves JC. Conservative surgery of the nasal dorsum: septal pyramidal adjustment and repositioning. Facial Plast Surg 2021;37(01):22–28 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Erdal AI, Genç İG Transection of Pitanguy’s midline ligament to avoid supratip depression in closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Aesthet Surg J 2023;43(02): NP84–NP90 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Ferreira MG, Santos M, Carmo EDO, et al. Spare roof technique versus component dorsal hump reduction: a randomized prospective study in 250 primary rhinoplasties, aesthetic and functional outcomes. Aesthet Surg J 2021;41(03):288–300 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Ferreira MG, Monteiro D, Reis C, Almeida e Sousa C. Spare roof technique: a middle third new technique. Facial Plast Surg 2016; 32(01):111–116 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Ishida J, Ishida LC, Ishida LH, Vieira JC, Ferreira MC. Treatment of the nasal hump with preservation of the cartilaginous framework. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999;103(06):1729–1733, discussion 1734–1735 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Ishida LC, Ishida J, Ishida LH, Tartare A, Fernandes RK, Gemperli R. Nasal hump treatment with cartilaginous push-down and preservation of the bony cap. Aesthet Surg J 2020;40(11):1168–1178 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Kosins AM. Expanding indications for dorsal preservation rhinoplasty with cartilage conversion techniques. Aesthet Surg J 2021; 41(02):174–184 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Kosins AM. Preservation rhinoplasty: Open or closed? Aesthet Surg J 2022;42(09):990–1008 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Levin M, Ziai H, Roskies M. Patient satisfaction following structural versus preservation rhinoplasty: a systematic review. Facial Plast Surg 2020;36(05):670–678 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Neves JC, Arancibia-Tagle D. Avoiding aesthetic drawbacks and stigmata in dorsal line preservation rhinoplasty. Facial Plast Surg 2021;37(01):65–75 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Öztürk G Hybrid preservation rhinoplasty: combining mix-down and semi let-push down techniques. J Craniofac Surg 2022;33 (06):1885–1889 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Öztürk G Semi-let-down and semi-push-down preservation techniques: maintaining the intactness of the distal region. Aesthet Surg J 2021;41(06):NP267–NP280 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Öztürk G New approaches for the let-down technique. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2020;44(05):1725–1736 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Öztürk G Push-down technique without osteotomy: a new approach. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2020;44(03):891–901 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25.Öztürk G Prevention of nasal deviation related to preservation rhinoplasty in non-deviated noses using suturing approaches. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021;45(04):1693–1702 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26.Öztürk G Push down technique with ostectomy. Ann Chir Plast Esthet 2021;66(04):329–337 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Öztürk G Combination of the push-down and let-down techniques: mix-down approaches. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021;45(03): 1140–1149 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 28.Öztürk G Partial let-down and push-down techniques with complete cartilage preservation. J Craniofac Surg 2021;32(03): 1126–1131 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 29.Özücer B, Çam OH. The effectiveness of asymmetric dorsal preservation for correction of I-shaped crooked nose deformity in comparison to conventional technique. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2020;22(04):286–293 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30.Patel PN, Abdelwahab M, Most SP. Dorsal preservation rhinoplasty: method and outcomes of the modified subdorsal strip method. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2021;29(01):29–37 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Patel PN, Kandathil CK, Abdelhamid AS, Buba CM, Most SP. Matched cohort comparison of dorsal preservation and conventional hump resection rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022. Oct 31:1–11 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Patel PN, Abdelwahab M, Most SP. Combined functional and preservation rhinoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2021; 29(01):113–121 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Pirsig W, Königs D. Wedge resection in rhinosurgery: a review of the literature and long-term results in a hundred cases. Rhinology 1988;26(02):77–88 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 34.Qaradaxi KA, Mohammed AA, Mohammed HN. The outcome of V vs. S shaped nasal deformity in preservation rhinoplasty; a comparative study. Ann Chir Plast Esthet 2022;67(04): 239–244 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 35.Robotti E, Chauke-Malinga NY, Leone F. A modified dorsal split preservation technique for nasal humps with minor bony component: a preliminary report. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2019;43(05): 1257–1268 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Rodrigues Dias D, Santos M, Sousa E Castro S, Almeida E Sousa C, Gonçalves Ferreira M. The spare roof technique as a new approach to the crooked nose. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2022;24(03): 178–184 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Rodriguez CA, Al-Sakkaf AM, Verbauvede M. Rhinoplasty with recycled dorsum preservation: technique and outcomes. Arch Plast Surg 2022;49(05):563–568 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 38.Santos M, Rego ÂR, Coutinho M, Sousa CAE, Ferreira MG. Spare roof technique in reduction rhinoplasty: prospective study of the first one hundred patients. Laryngoscope 2019;129(12): 2702–2706 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Stergiou G, Fortuny CG, Schweigler A, Finocchi V, Saban Y, Tremp M. A multivariate analysis after preservation rhinoplasty (PR) - a prospective study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2022;75(01): 369–373 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Stergiou G, Schweigler A, Finocchi V, Fortuny CG, Saban Y, Tremp M. Quality of life (QoL) and outcome after preservation rhinoplasty (PR) using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) Questionnaire - a prospective observational single-centre study. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022;46(04):1773–1779 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Taglialatela Scafati S, Regalado-Briz A. Piezo-assisted dorsal preservation in rhinoplasty: when and why. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2022; 46(05):2389–2397 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Taş S Dorsal roof technique for dorsum preservation in rhinoplasty. Aesthet Surg J 2020;40(03):263–275 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 43.Taş BM, Erden B. Comparison of nasal functional outcomes of let down rhinoplasty and open technical rhinoplasty using spreader graft. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021;278(02):371–377 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 44.Tham T, Bhuiya S, Wong A, Zhu D, Romo T, Georgolios A. Clinical outcomes in dorsal preservation rhinoplasty: a meta-analysis. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2022;24(03):187–194 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 45.Tuncel U, Aydogdu O. The probable reasons for dorsal hump problems following let-down/push-down rhinoplasty and solution proposals. Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;144(03):378e–385e [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 46.Tuncel U, Kurt A, Saban Y. Dorsal preservation surgery: a novel modification for dorsal shaping and hump reduction. Aesthet Surg J 2022;42(11):1252–1261 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 47.Tuncel U, Aydogdu IO, Kurt A. Reducing dorsal hump recurrence following push down-let down rhinoplasty. Aesthet Surg J 2021; 41(04):428–437 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 48.Saban Y, de Salvador S. Guidelines for dorsum preservation in primary rhinoplasty. Facial Plast Surg 2021;37(01):53–64 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 49.Küçüker I, Özmen S, Kaya B, Ak B, Demir A. Are grafts necessary in rhinoplasty? Cartilage flaps with cartilage-saving rhinoplasty concept. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2014;38(02):275–281 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 50.Öztürk G Scroll ligament preservation and improvement in nasal tip with the room concept. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2020;44(02): 491–500 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 51.Sazgar AA, Most SP. Stabilization of nasal tip support in nasal tip reduction surgery. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011;145(06): 932–934 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 52.Öztürk G Improvement of alar concavity with scroll ligament preservation: sandwich technique. Aesthet Surg J 2020;40(10): 1064–1075 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 53.Tebbetts JB. Rethinking the logic and techniques of primary tip rhinoplasty. A perspective of the evolution of surgery of the nasal tip. Clin Plast Surg 1996;23(02):245–253 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 54.Murakami CS, Barrera JE, Most SP. Preserving structural integrity of the alar cartilage in aesthetic rhinoplasty using a cephalic turn-in flap. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2009;11(02):126–128 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 55.Langsdon P, Schroeder R, Rayess H, Clinkscales W. Lateral crural setback: a preservation technique to increase tip rotation. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med 2022;24(03):247–248 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 56.Gruber RP, Zang A, Mohebali K. Preventing alar retraction by preservation of the lateral crus. Plast Reconstr Surg 2010;126(02): 581–588 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 57.Foulad A, Volgger V, Wong B. Lateral crural tensioning for refinement of the nasal tip and increasing alar stability: a case series. Facial Plast Surg 2017;33(03):316–323 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 58.Abdelwahab M, Patel P, Kandathil CK, Wadhwa H, Most SP. Effect of lateral crural procedures on nasal wall stability and tip aesthetics in rhinoplasty. Laryngoscope 2021;131(06):E1830–E1837 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 59.Tellioglu AT, Cimen K. Turn-in folding of the cephalic portion of the lateral crus to support the alar rim in rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2007;31(03):306–310 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 60.Bulut F Cephalic lateral crural advancement flap. Arch Plast Surg 2021;48(02):158–164 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 61.Alkarzae M, Bafaqeeh SA. Turn-in flap: 10 years’ experience of a single institution in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2020;12(01):e6593. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 62.Boccieri A, Marianetti TM. Barrel roll technique for the correction of long and concave lateral crura. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2010;12 (06):415–421 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 63.Sazgar AA. Lateral crural setback with cephalic turn-in flap: a method to treat the drooping nose. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2010;12 (06):427–430 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 64.Sazgar AA. Horizontal reduction using a cephalic hinged flap of the lateral crura: a method to treat the bulbous nasal tip. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2010;34(05):642–645 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 65.Paquet CA, Choroomi S, Frankel AS. An analysis of lateral crural repositioning and its effect on alar rim position. JAMA Facial Plast Surg 2016;18(02):89–94 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 66.Abdelwahab M, Most SP. The miniature lateral crural strut graft: efficacy of a novel technique in tip plasty. Laryngoscope 2020;130 (11):2581–2588 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 67.Foda HMT. Management of the droopy tip: a comparison of three alar cartilage-modifying techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003; 112(05):1408–1417, discussion 1418–1421 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 68.Foda HM, Kridel RW. Lateral crural steal and lateral crural overlay: an objective evaluation. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999; 125(12):1365–1370 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 69.Gentile P, Cervelli V. Cartilage remodeling in nasal tip rhinoplasty using “lateral crural steal” and “tongue in groove” strategies: a randomized controlled trial. J Craniofac Surg 2022;33(04):1099–1103 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 70.Ghazipour A, Ghadakzadeh S, Karimian N. The comparison between two different combinations of alar cartilage-modifying techniques: is lateral crural steal the choice? Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2009;266(03):391–395 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 71.Darzi E, Sadeghi M, Amali A, Saedi B. Effect of lateral crural cut overlay and medial crural cut and overlay in creating and maintaining tip projection and rotation: a randomised single-blind trial. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021;59(09):1067–1073 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 72.Cabbarzade C Skin tensioning concept in rhinoplasty using a semi-fixed support mechanism. J Craniofac Surg 2023;34(01):e28–e32 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

RESOURCES