Objective Assessment of Nasal Tip Projection and Rotation after Lateral Crural Overlay in Primary Open Rhinoplasty: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background: The lateral crural overlay technique is used in rhinoplasty to correct nasal tip over-projection and ptosis by modifying tip projection and rotation. The study aims to evaluate the effect of the lateral crural overlay technique on nasal tip projection and rotation using objective preoperative and postoperative measurements. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional clinical study included 50 patients undergoing primary open rhinoplasty using the LCO technique. Patients were followed for 12 months. Standardized photographic analysis and anthropometric measurements, including Goode’s ratio, nasofacial angle, and nasolabial angle (NLa), were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and pre- and postoperative values were compared using the paired t -test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Females comprised 70% of the group, and males 30%. The average Goode’s ratio significantly decreased from 0.64 to 0.59 ( P < 0.001), and the nasofacial angle decreased from 34.23° to 31.40° ( P < 0.001), indicating a reduction in nasal tip projection. The rotation angle increased from 42.43° to 54.32° ( P < 0.001), and the NLa increased from 90.40° to 102.62° ( P < 0.001), demonstrating a significant improvement in nasal tip rotation. Conclusion: The lateral crural overlay technique, performed within the context of a standardized primary open rhinoplasty, was associated with significant reductions in nasal tip projection and improvements in tip rotation, with outcomes maintained at 12-month follow-up.