Septal Extension (Nasal Septum Elongation)
Surgery to comprehensively reshape the direction, length, and height of the nasal tip using autologous cartilage
Recommended for
- For those who want to extend the nasal tip downward / make the entire nose appear longer
- For those who want to improve an upturned nasal tip (upturned nose)
- For those considering septal extension as a core procedure in Nose Full
- For those seeking long-term stability and wishing to have surgery using autologous tissue
What is Septal Extension?
Septal extension surgery is a procedure that extends the nasal septum by suturing and grafting autologous cartilage (auricular cartilage, costal cartilage, or septal cartilage) onto the nasal septal cartilage (the cartilage that divides the left and right nasal cavities) located inside the nose, thereby adjusting the direction, position, and height of the nasal tip (nose tip). Our clinic's basic policy is to perform surgery using autologous tissue without artificial materials (silicone implants).
Conditions We Treat
①Nasal tip pointing upward (short nose / upturned nose)②Nasal tip is low with nostrils appearing prominent from the front③Desire to lengthen the entire nose④Comprehensive change in both height and direction of the nasal tip, among other concerns. The degree of deformity and cartilage condition vary greatly among individuals, and we confirm appropriateness during consultation.
Types of Cartilage Used
Auricular Cartilage
Cartilage harvested from behind the ear. The incision scar from harvesting remains on the back of the ear. It is suitable for cases with minor deformities, but due to limited strength and volume, it may not be suitable for large extensions.
Costal Cartilage
Cartilage harvested from the rib cage, abundant in both volume and strength, making it suitable for large extensions. A small harvesting scar remains on the chest, with a rare risk of deformity (warping). Our "Nose Full (Costal Full)" procedure primarily uses this cartilage.
Downtime Guidelines
Post-operative swelling and bruising typically subside within 2-3 weeks, but the final shape of the nasal tip stabilizes after 6 months to 1 year post-operation (varies by individual). Suture removal is typically around 7-10 days post-operation.
Features
What is Septal Extension?
Many people associate septal extension with a witch-like nose or arrow-shaped nose. While it is technically possible to achieve such results with septal extension, the angle can be extended freely both upward and downward, so the result does not necessarily have to be that shape. Septal extension is actually most suitable for people with short noses or soft cartilage, which is common in East Asian populations including Japan. Even with cartilage grafting in such individuals, poor results can be obtained due to a soft foundation. Creating a solid foundation through septal extension, followed by cartilage grafting, is the most effective approach.
Nasal Septal Cartilage
Taking advantage of the single surgical field, it is also possible to harvest nasal septal cartilage. In Japanese individuals, the size of the nasal septal cartilage varies structurally from person to person, so it may be necessary to combine it with auricular cartilage or costal cartilage, or with donor cartilage.
Auricular Cartilage
Auricular cartilage is frequently used in septal extension. Sufficient cartilage can be harvested, but due to the inherent curvature specific to the ear, it often requires modifications such as layering two pieces or combining with nasal septal cartilage. When harvesting auricular cartilage, we primarily approach and harvest from the posterior aspect of the auricle. Harvesting from the posterior aspect has the advantage of hiding the scar on the posterior surface.
Costal Cartilage
Costal cartilage harvesting is chosen for patients with prior surgical history who have had auricular cartilage harvested previously, or when large and strong cartilage is needed. Harvesting must be performed under general anesthesia due to the invasiveness of the procedure. A 3-4 cm incision is made on the inner side of the inframammary fold for harvesting, leaving a thin scar as a drawback. However, it is the optimal material for those desiring significant change or those with extremely short noses.
Treatment details
- Procedure Time
- 60 minutes
- Fixation
- Nasal tip cast fixation (7 days)
- Downtime
- 7 days
- Cast Fixation
- Approximately 7 days
- Durability
- Semi-permanent
- Facial Cleansing
- Possible 72 hours after cast removal
- Makeup
- Possible immediately for areas other than the nose
- Showering
- Possible from the neck down starting the next day
- Bathing
- OK after 1 week
- Remarks
- Nasal congestion may occur for 1-2 weeks
Pricing
Septal Extension (Materials Used)
| Treatment | Price (incl. tax) |
|---|---|
| Nasal Septum (Dr. Tetsu) |
|
| Auricular Cartilage (Dr. Tetsu) |
|
| Costal Cartilage (Dr. Tetsu) |
|
| Nasal Septum (Other Dr.) |
|
| Auricular Cartilage (Other Dr.) |
|
| Costal Cartilage (Other Dr.) |
|
※ All prices include tax.
FAQ
What is the difference from silicone implants (prosthetics)?
Prosthetics are artificial materials used for raising the nasal bridge (from nasal root to nasal dorsum), but their use on the nasal tip carries a high risk of infection and displacement. Septal extension uses autologous tissue, offering superior biocompatibility and is the appropriate method for changes in nasal tip shape. Our clinic does not insert artificial materials into the nasal tip area and uses autologous cartilage instead.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Which is used, costal cartilage or auricular cartilage?
Selection depends on the amount of extension and strength requirements. Auricular cartilage is typically chosen for minor corrections, while costal cartilage (Costal Full) is selected when significant extension or shape changes are needed. The attending surgeon will make recommendations based on consultation and CT evaluation.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Does the nasal tip become harder after surgery?
For a period after surgery, some hardness may be felt during the cartilage graft integration process. It naturally softens over time. This varies by individual, and complete stabilization may take 6 months to 1 year.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Can it be performed simultaneously with other nasal surgeries?
Septal extension is frequently performed simultaneously with nasal tip refinement, auricular cartilage grafting, alar reduction, or nasal bridge augmentation (so-called "Nose Full"). Simultaneous procedures allow for comprehensive balance improvement with a single downtime period.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Consultations about this treatment are free.
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