The conservative management of the Negro nose

The difficulties in obtaining an adequate result in the Negroid nose have been elucidated by other authors. Paucity of lobular cartilage; the flat dorsum; short columella; wide flaring nares; and skin that tends to keloid formation have led many surgeons to attempt radical surgical techniques to obtain rather limited results. To circumvent the complications in the more radical procedures, a more conservative concept of an entirely intranasal operation without external skin incisions is outlined. This technique consists of tip rotation andlobular cartilage trimming; the use of a non-absorbable basal bunching suture, and the placement of a dorsal implant without performing osteotomies. A comparison with other techniques is made, as well as surgical aims, limitations and a discussion of results. Pertinent illustrations and photographs are presented.