Caudal extension graft versus columellar strut with plumping graft for acute nasolabial angle correction in rhinoplasty surgery

Nasal tip support is an important factor to be considered in rhinoplasty surgery. There are several techniques for improving tip support. Caudal extension graft (CEG) and columellar strut with plumping graft (CSPG) are two methods in rhinoplasty surgery. The final goal of this experimental study is to find the most effective method for tip correction among patients with tip ptosis. In this study, we compare two different methods which are used for the tip correction among patients who suffer from acute nasolabial angle (NLA) and columellar retraction. We performed a randomized clinical trial to compare correction ratio of NLA and columellar show obtained via CEG and CSPG methods. Standardized photographs were taken before the surgery and 12 months after the surgery to compare results between two groups. The mean post-operation NLA was 112.55A degrees in CEG and 104.17A degrees in CSPG (p value < 0.001). Correction ratio of NLA was 22.26A degrees in CEG and 13.77A degrees in CSPG (p value < 0.001). The difference in the mean and the correction ratio of NLA were statistically significant in two groups. The mean post-operation columellar show was 3.75 mm in CEG and 3.44 mm in CSPG (p value < 0.083). The correction ratio of columellar show was 1.76 mm in CEG and 1.20 mm in CSPG (p value < 0.007). The difference in the correction ratio of the two groups was statistically significant. Our study reveals that both techniques properly improve NLA and columellar show, however, CEG is a more stable method in patients with tip ptosis.