Achieving durable nasal tip stabilization remains a central challenge in septorhinoplasty, particularly in patients with weak cartilage support, revision cases, or those requiring precise control of tip projection and rotation. Conventional septal extension grafts and suspension-based techniques often rely on indirect load transfer and lack intrinsic columellar support, which may limit long-term stability and predictability. These limitations highlight the need for a structurally integrated, load-bearing solution that provides direct and sustained support to the nasal tip framework.

This proposal presents the L-Shaped Septocolumellar Extension Graft (LS-SCEG) technique, a refined structural approach that combines the functions of a septal extension graft and a columellar strut into a single, integrated unit. The graft is designed in an L-shaped configuration and secured through multi-point fixation to four critical anatomical landmarks: the caudal septum, the spreader graft–septal junction, the medial crura, and the nasal tip framework. This configuration establishes a direct septocolumellar support column, allowing controlled distribution of mechanical forces across the nasal tip complex rather than reliance on suspension or single-point anchoring mechanisms.

The primary objective of this project is to describe the surgical design principles, fixation strategy, and technical steps of the LS-SCEG technique and to evaluate its effectiveness in providing stable nasal tip support in septorhinoplasty. The technique aims to improve control over nasal tip projection, rotation, and midline alignment while maintaining structural integrity over time. Secondary objectives include assessing the reproducibility of the technique, intraoperative handling characteristics, and early postoperative outcomes related to tip stability and alignment.

By functioning as a load-bearing septocolumellar unit, the LS-SCEG is expected to address key shortcomings of existing techniques, particularly in cases where durable tip support is essential. The anticipated outcome is the establishment of a clearly defined, anatomically grounded technique that offers predictable nasal tip stabilization and expands the surgical options available to rhinoplasty surgeons. This proposal seeks to contribute a distinct conceptual and technical framework to the septorhinoplasty literature, providing a foundation for further clinical evaluation and broader adoption of the technique.

This proposal aims to systematically evaluate a novel dorsal augmentation technique in rhinoplasty based on semi-dried, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)–stabilized diced cartilage. Autologous diced cartilage grafts are widely used for dorsal augmentation; however, their inherent fluidity often leads to migration, contour irregularities, and unpredictable handling, particularly in thin-skinned patients. Existing strategies to improve graft stability—such as fascia wrapping, fibrin sealants, or oxidized cellulose—add operative complexity, cost, and potential foreign-body reactions, while still failing to fully address early positional instability. Although biologic carriers such as PRP have demonstrated beneficial effects on cartilage viability and integration, their liquid form limits intraoperative handling and shape control.

The proposed technique introduces a controlled, short-duration air-drying step applied to PRP-saturated diced cartilage, transforming the mixture into a cohesive, moldable, semi-solid graft that can be placed directly onto the nasal dorsum and radix without sutures, wrapping, or adhesive materials. The primary objective of this project is to assess the feasibility, safety, and early clinical behavior of this graft preparation method. Primary outcome objectives include early graft positional stability, absence of migration, maintenance of dorsal contour smoothness, and lack of graft-related complications during standardized postoperative follow-up. Secondary objectives include evaluation of intraoperative handling characteristics, reproducibility of graft consistency, and surgeon-reported ease of contouring compared with conventional diced cartilage techniques.

The scientific rationale for this approach is supported by experimental and clinical evidence demonstrating that brief air-drying is a long-established and safe intraoperative maneuver in otologic and nasal surgery, and that PRP enhances chondrocyte viability and tissue integration. Available data also suggest that short-term exposure to moderate heat does not result in clinically meaningful degradation of platelet-derived growth factors or cartilage integrity. By combining these principles, the proposed method seeks to bridge the gap between biologic enhancement and mechanical stability in dorsal augmentation.

This proposal is designed as an early feasibility and proof-of-concept evaluation to generate structured clinical data that will inform larger prospective studies. If successful, this technique may represent a cost-effective, foreign-material–free, and reproducible alternative for dorsal augmentation, particularly in revision cases and thin-skinned patients where graft stability and surface smoothness are critical.