Anatomy of the Alar Lobule in Korean Nose

Chang, Hyun; Han, Seung Kyu; Kim, Sang Bum; Kim, Woo Kyung

Abstract

This study is to provide details of the unique anatomical features on the alar lobule region in Korean nose. We hypothesized that the anatomy of this area differs according to the shape of the alar lobule. Based on the prominence and roundness of alar lobules, they were classified into horizontal and vertical types. A total of 20 fresh cadaver noses(10 for each type) were dissected. The anatomical differences between the horizontal and vertical types were investigated by gross and histologic studies. The alar lobule is composed of three layers, i.e., external skin, muscle, and vestibular skin. Profound differences between the two alar lobule types were evident in terms of the volume of the dilator naris anterior muscle, the insertion of the dilator naris posterior muscle, and the thickness of the external skin at the lateral end of the alar circumference. The horizontal type has a greater volume of dilator naris anterior muscle, an additional insertion of the dilator naris posterior muscle, and thicker external skin at the lateral end of the alar circumference than the vertical type. The Korean nose differs anatomically and morphologically from the Caucasian nose. This study shows that there are anatomic differences between the horizontal and vertical types of alar lobules in Korean nose.