Sublabial Autologous Ear Cartilage Grafting for Increasing the Nasolabial Angle

BACKGROUND The loss of nasal tip support is caused by many factors and eventually results in the collapse and eventual dropping of the nasal tip. This reduces the nasolabial (NL) angle and negatively affects respiratory functions and one's appearance. METHODS The aim of this retrospective study, which was conducted on 52 patients, was to present and popularize a simple and effective method for the reconstruction of a weakened columella by inserting an autologous ear cartilage graft using a sublabial approach. RESULTS Of all the patients, three patients experienced transplant rejection. The period of follow-up observation was one to five years (mean, 27 months). The results were objectively evaluated by measuring the NL angle in standardized photos before and after the procedure at different time intervals over the follow-up period. We observed a significant increase of the NL angle (mean, 20°), and found these results to be durable over the long term. Of the 52 patients included in this study observed patients, three were dissatisfied (due to immediate infection and shifting of the strut), 28 were satisfied, and 21 were very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS The surgical method described here is simple and can be learned quickly. It has very good results with few complications, and is our method of choice for complex and serious cases seen in everyday rhinosurgical practice.