Alar cartilage flap for projection of the nasal tip

Abstract

Introduction: The nasal tip is a frequent object of study by surgeons, since it is a common reason for pre- and postoperative complaints. Thus, the tip should be thoroughly evaluated to determine the best technique to be used. The objective is to demonstrate an original alar cartilage flap technique for projection of the nasal tip, performed alone or in combination with other procedures for the same purpose. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 22 patients submitted to open rhinoplasty with use of the alar flap to project the nasal tip. Results: A total of 22 open rhinoplasties were performed on primary bulbous, fatty, and under-projected tips. Among the patients in the study, 90% were black and 2% were white; 72.7% reported a high degree of satisfaction with the operation, 18.1% considered the result very good, and 9.2% considered the result acceptable. There were no complications/reoperations. Conclusion: The alar cartilage flap for projection of the nasal tip is simple to perform and can be considered an excellent supplemental method for use in treatment of the black nose.

Keywords

• rhinoplasty
• projection
• nasal cartilage
• nose
• surgical flaps