The long-term effects of alar base reduction

To statistically analyze the long-term results of alar base reduction after rhinoplasty.

Among a consecutive series of 100 rhinoplasty cases, 19 patients required alar base reduction. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 11 (9) months (range, 2 months to 3 years). Using preoperative and postoperative photographs, comparisons were made of the change in the base width (width of base between left and right alar-facial junctions), flare width (width on base view between points of widest alar flare), base height (distance from base to nasal tip on base view), nostril height (distance from base to anterior edge of nostril), and vertical flare (vertical distance from base to the widest alar flare). Notching at the nasal sill was recorded as none, minimal, mild, moderate, and severe.

Changes in vertical flare (P<.05) and nostril height (P<.05) were the only significant differences seen in the patients who required alar reduction. No significant change was seen in base width (P=.92), flare width (P=.41), or base height (P=.22). No notching was noted.

It would have been preferable to study patients undergoing alar reduction without concomitant rhinoplasty procedures, but this approach is not practical. To our knowledge, the present study represents the most extensive attempt in the literature to characterize and quantify the postoperative effects of alar base reduction.