Surgical anatomy of cartilaginous structures of the Asian nose: clinical implications in rhinoplasty

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The morphologic features of upper and lower lateral cartilage and septal cartilage of the cadaveric nose were analyzed to provide practical anatomical knowledge for Asian rhinoplasty.

STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric dissection.

METHODS: A total of 21 Korean adult cadavers were dissected. External nasal morphology was observed, measured, photographed, and analyzed. Histologic features were observed with a light microscope in coronally-transected specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS: The lengths of the upper and lower lateral cartilage of Korean cadaveric noses were similar to those of white noses. The widths of the upper and lower lateral cartilage were substantially smaller in Korean cadaveric noses than in those of whites. Upper lateral cartilage include substantial transverse portions near the keystone area that should be preserved in component reduction rhinoplasty. The relationships between the upper lateral cartilage and the lower lateral cartilage were divided into four types. Type I, in which the upper lateral cartilage and lower lateral cartilage are interlocked to form a Z-shape, is the most common. The posterior portion of the septal cartilage, which is connected to the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid and vomer, is thickest.

CONCLUSIONS: Cartilaginous structures of Asian noses were substantially different from those of whites in terms of their shape, size, thickness, and relationship with other structures. The data from surgical anatomical observations of the cartilaginous framework of Korean cadaveric noses provided in this report will provide valuable information for performing rhinoplasty on Asian patients.