Versatility of Three-Dimensional Total Alar Cartilage Dissection in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty

Abstract

In many cases, Asians' noses are shorter; their nasal tips have a bulbous shape and typically lack the projection. To correct these problems, we completely dissected the alar cartilage in a three-dimensional manner by which the alar cartilage could be repositioned. Thus, no external force was exerted to the alar cartilage. For approximately 4 years, a total of 502 patients were treated with this surgical method. Using the open rhinoplasty, the alar cartilage was dissected in such a manner that it should be completely isolated from the skin, nasal mucosa, and upper lateral cartilage in 3 layers. Thereafter, using various nasal tip plasty techniques, the alar cartilage was reshaped and then repositioned. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 18 months. Then, the degree of subjective satisfaction of patients was analyzed with the use of 4-point visual analog scale scores. On the assessment of the degree of subjective satisfaction of patients, of a total of 502 patients, 87% responded as "very satisfactory" or "satisfactory." Through an analysis of the photographs taken before and after surgery, in patients with a short nose, the current surgical procedure was effective in extending the length of nose without the septal extension graft. The nasolabial angle was ideally expressed. Through meticulous cartilage manipulation, the tip projection improved and a bulbous shape of the nasal tip was resolved. In an aesthetic rhinoplasty for Asians, if plastic surgery of the nasal tip should be performed using a three-dimensional dissection of the alar cartilage, it would be helpful for surgeons to effectively and freely manipulate the alar cartilage according to their plans.