Objectives/hypothesis: Vertical dome division (VDD) is a useful nasal tip surgery technique. However, it is associated with postoperative complications and has never been studied in Asian patients. This study examined results following application of our modified VDD approach in Asian patients requiring nasal tip surgery.
Study design: A retrospective clinical chart review.
Methods: We retrospectively studied 37 patients who underwent rhinoplasty using our modified VDD procedure. The indications were thick tip skin and relatively strong and well-developed lower lateral cartilages. Outcome measurements were made using preoperative and postoperative photographs. Doctors and patients separately indicated satisfaction using a visual analogue scale (from 1 = satisfied, to 4 = dissatisfied).
Results: Following surgery, the mean tip projection increment across the population was 15.8%, and the nasofrontal and nasolabial angle increments were 1.4 degrees and 5.5 degrees, respectively. Doctor and patient satisfaction scores were 1.54 +/- 0.76 and 1.61 +/- 0.81, respectively. Most patients showed prominent tip projection and good cosmetic results. Two patients (5.4%) were dissatisfied, one due to a narrow tip and the other due to nostril asymmetry.
Conclusions: The modified VDD was an effective method for nasal tip projection and rotation in selected Asian patients.