Analysis of nasal ptosis correction using lower lateral to upper lateral cartilage suspension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the durability of lower lateral to upper lateral cartilage suspension (LUCS) in the correction of nasal tip ptosis.

METHODS: Patients with extreme nasal tip ptosis who subsequently underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty were eligible for this retrospective case study. Severe tip ptosis was defined as a nasolabial angle less than or equal to 80° in men and 90° in women. Of 34 patients identified who underwent LUCS in the past 18 years, 24 were found to have at least 1-year follow-up images and documented clinic visits. Thirteen of these patients were observed for at least 3 years and comprise the long-term cohort. Preoperative morphed or hand-drawn illustrations were obtained, and the nasolabial angles were measured and compared with those of the standard preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and long-term postoperative groups.

RESULTS: The mean preoperative nasolabial angle for the entire group was 83.4°. The mean preoperative morphed or illustrated angles measured 104.7°. The mean 1-year and long-term follow-up angles measured 102.5° and 101.5°, respectively. The differences among the preoperative, 1-year postoperative, and long-term groups were significant at P < .001. The similarities between the morphed, 1-year postoperative, and long-term angles were also statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The LUCS is a durable technique in the correction of nasal tip ptosis. It has consistently proved to provide accurate and reproducible results.