Nasal Hump Treatment With Cartilaginous Push-Down and Preservation of the Bony Cap

Abstract Background Classic nasal hump reduction based on partial resection of the cartilage and bones in the nose may lead to dorsum deformities such as an inverted-V deformity, irregularities, and an open roof. Techniques that preserve the nasal dorsum (namely the push-down and let-down) avoid these problems, but may not always be indicated for very large, broad, or deviated noses, whereas cartilaginous push-down is also indicated for large and deviated humps. Because only the cartilaginous portion of the hump is preserved in the cartilaginous push-down, a rough area may remain where the bony portion is resected. Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a variation of the cartilaginous push-down technique which includes a bony cap to preserve the smoothness of the keystone area during nasal hump treatment. Methods Forty-eight consecutive patients with indication for nasal hump treatment who underwent cartilaginous push-down procedures with bony cap preservation between August 2018 and October 2019 were studied. Results We observed related complications in 2 patients (4.2%); in 1 patient (2.1%) the bony cap was lost during the rasping of the nasal bones and the surgery was altered to utilize only the cartilaginous push-down. Another patient (2.1%) experienced a mild hump recurrence during the early weeks following the procedure. All of the remaining patients had their nasal humps treated adequately. Conclusions The nasal hump was adequately corrected in most of the study patients (95.8%). Preserving the bony cap while performing the cartilaginous push-down may prevent complications related to the osseous resection of the keystone area. Level of Evidence: 4