A 3-Level Impaction Technique for Dorsal Reshaping and Reduction Without Dorsal Soft Tissue Envelope Dissection

Background: Preservation rhinoplasty (PR) techniques are continuously evolving and many variations of established techniques have been proposed since Daniel coined this term in 2018. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe indications for a new “3-level impaction” technique, allowing, in selected cases, a complete profile correction and dorsal reduction without dissection of the dorsal soft tissue envelope (STE). Methods: Three hundred and fifty primary closed rhinoplasty cases were retrospectively studied from January 2018 and October 2019. Age, sex, race, technical details, surgical time, and complications were registered. Ninety-five dorsa were reduced and shaped without dissecting the dorsal STE by combining: (1) a swinging-door septoplasty with low septal strip resection, (2) endonasal bony cap mosaic osteotomies, and (3) let-down or push-down operation. Results: All patients showed a dramatic change in profile height and shape without either dorsal STE dissection or bony cartilage dorsal tissue resection. Mosaic osteotomies converted the dorsal keystone area from S- to V-shaped dorsum, let-down-operation and low septal strip resection enabled impaction, and profile setting was achieved by quadrangular cartilage flap rotation. The average follow-up time was 14 months (range, 12-16 months). Conclusions: In selected patients, dorsum can be preserved without STE dissection. By combining multiple endonasal maneuvers it is possible to obtain a dramatic change without dissecting the STE, while simultaneously avoiding any dorsal tissue resection. This method offers a versatile technique in selected patients, which leads to fast recovery and natural results.