The Influence of Paranasal Augmentation on the Measurement of the Nose for the Treatment of Midfacial Concavity.

Background: A concave midface with its associated deep nasolabial folds is more aesthetically displeasing than a convex midface. Midfacial concavity may be addressed with autologous tissue and implants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of paranasal augmentation on photogrammetric parameters. Methods: Between July 2013 and August 2016, 12 patients underwent paranasal augmentation to address midface concavity. Augmentation was performed with autologous rib cartilage, autologous mandibular bone, or preshaped porous polyethylene (PPE). All operations were performed through the upper gingivobuccal approach. Twelve patients who underwent malar reduction using the same approach acted as a control group to account for the influence of the approach on soft tissue change. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were made photogrammetrically. Results: The average follow-up period was 12.8 months (range, 5-30 months) for both groups. The mean thickness of augmentation grafts was 5.18 mm (range, 3-7 mm). Alar width and alar base width increased 4.84% (P = 0.01) and 7.66% (P = 0.01), respectively. The nasolabial angle increased from 97.2 degrees to 103.6 degrees and the columellar inclination increased from 116.0 degrees to 119.1 degrees but neither were statistically significant. Photogrammetric parameters did not change significantly in the control group. Partial wound dehiscence occurred in one case. There was greater postoperative increase in alar width (P = 0.020), alar base width (P = 0.024), and nasolabial angle (P = 0.033) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions: Paranasal augmentation using PPE or autologous material generates measurable soft tissue changes designed to enhance paranasal aesthetics.