Suture tip plasty using an endonasal approach

Over the last two decades, the use of the external approach for primary and secondary rhinoplasties has become increasingly popular. This article illustrates the versatility of endonasal techniques for the correction of nasal tip deformities on the basis of four cases. The approach to the nasal tip and the chosen technique as used in 100 consecutive rhinoplasties were reviewed. For primary and revision tip plasty, endonasal approaches were used in 81% of cases. Preferred incisions were the infracartilaginous approach and the transfixion incision. Using these approaches, correction of the tip was achieved by using sutures to reposition and reshape the alar cartilages and the columella without grafts to the nasal tip in most cases. Nasal tip plasty via endonasal approaches using sutures is technically more challenging compared to the external approach with its superior exposure. This drawback is outweighed by less operating time and faster patient recovery. Contrary to the general trend, the authors believe that endonasal tip plasty techniques using sutures can obviate the external approach and grafts in many cases and should form an integral part of the rhino-surgeon's repertoire.