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BACKGROUND: Augmentation of an underdeveloped anterior nasal spine (ANS) occidentalizes the Oriental nasal shape. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ANS augmentation using an injectable filler, assessing volumetric changes with 3-dimensional images and measuring 2-dimensional images. METHODS: Forty Japanese patients were treated and evaluated before and after the augmentation. Local anesthetic was injected on the ANS for analgesia. To augment the underdeveloped ANS, approximately 0.5-1.0 ml of calcium hydroxylapatite filler was injected between the medial crura footplates and the ANS. Two-dimensional measurements and superimposable 3-dimensional volumetric assessments were performed pretreatment and 7 days posttreatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: A significant decrease in nasal width and nostril axis inclination and an increase in nasal tip projection and columellolabial angle were observed by 2-dimensional measurements. Superimposable 3-dimensional color images reinforced the results of the 2-dimensional measurements and showed volumetric soft-tissue changes in the nasal and perinasal areas and the lower cheeks. Ninety percent of the patients were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the results. Posttreatment traction pain and edema resolved in 5 days. Side effects such as hematoma, nodules, and skin necrosis were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Objective assessments showed significant effects of this treatment, with good patient satisfaction and minimal levels of discomfort and side effects. Together these results demonstrate that this treatment is safe and effective for Oriental nose occidentalization and perinasal shaping and is also useful for predicting rhinoplasty results.
Yohei Tanaka (Fri,) studied this question.