A case of alar stenosis: single-staged alar reconstruction

Abstract

The ala is a cosmetically and functionally critical part of the nose, with unique esthetic and anatomical characteristics. Herein, we report our experience of alar reconstruction. A 56-year-old female was diagnosed with intranasal mucosal melanoma and was treated by surgical excision and radiotherapy. She developed left nostril deformity after the completion of oncological treatment. She underwent single-staged alar reconstruction surgery using alar rotational and turning-in flaps with septal and conchal cartilage reconstruction of the ala and lower lateral cartilage. A defect of the ala as a result of cancer excision or trauma is a challenging entity in facial reconstruction. In addition, radiotherapy is a burden for major reconstructive flaps because of defective healing. Hence, singlestaged local flaps with septal and conchal cartilage reconstruction results in good outcome and fewer complications.

Keywords

• external nasal valve; nasal reconstruction; nostril; nostril reconstruction; rhinoplasty; stenosis of nostril