Contour compression of rhinoplasty

Abstract

To improve the effect of rhinoplasty the author proposes both external and internal contour compression of a nose. Before the operation the mould of the patient’s midface is taken, then plaster mask (model) is made on which a nose of desired shape is formed. Using this mask (model) a plaster-gauze splint is made, which is applied on the operated nose for a fortnight. This compression maintains the desired fixation of disconnected bone-cartilage nasal fragments reproducing closely the plaster model. If desired, the shape of a model nose on the mask can be modified and the next splint can be made for further correction of the operated nose shape. Thus the splint actively reshapes the nose, while traditional bandages just passively fix the shape obtained on rhinoplasty. The experience of 452 operations ensures that the method gives the opportunity to forecast the patient’s appearance prior to surgery and in majority of cases the desired individal shape of nose can be achieved. (J. "Annals of Surgery" ?3. 1997 Moscow)