The Alar Extension Graft for Retracted Ala

Kim, Hyun Soo; Roh, Si Gyun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The importance of the deformities in alar - columellar complex has been underestimated in Asian ethnic groups for the last few decades. Fortunately, with increasing familiarity of the open rhinoplasty techniques, the anatomic details of the nasal tip have been pointed up. Definitely, having an interest and demand for improving the sub-normal relationship between the alar rim and columella are indebted for such growing of knowledge about nasal tip anatomy. However, it is true that any single procedure is not settled as versatile and fully confident modality to correct the retracted notching of the alar rim. With this article, I would like to propose another useful option for treating retracted ala.
METHODS
The authors have tried to correct alar rim retraction by means of: (1) Triangular onlay septal cartilage graft on the lower lateral cartilage with the medial end fixed to the anterior surface of the lateral crus(Alar extension graft), (2) Inserting lateral end of the alar extension graft to the vestibular skin pocket in the form of a finger-in-groove, (3) using the vestibular skin in the form of an advancement flap, and (4) using the soft shield graft to prevent possible visible step-off of the alar margin.
RESULTS
The authors applied an alar extension graft to 16 patients in order to correct a retracted ala for the last 27 months (August 2003-October 2005). The distance from alar rim to long axis of nostril was improved to be within 2mm in all cases, and also the shape of the alar rim changed to a round form. Nostril asymmetry (6%) was observed in one case, temporary palpable step-off (18%) in three cases, temporary visible step-off (6%) in one case, and temporary paresthesia of the tip (25%) in four cases, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The alar extension graft is simple and efficacious. It does not need donor sites other than the operative field, and its results are predictable. In particular, since it may give structural intensity to a weak lower lateral cartilage, it may be preferentially used for the correction of a retracted ala that arises from hypoplastic lower lateral cartilage. Moreover intensified lower lateral cartilage also improves the esthetic shape of lobule.