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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation
Published on: June 20, 2018
Reconstructive rhinoplasty: the 3-dimensional nasal tip
Oren Friedman1, Timur Akcam, Ted Cook
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA. friedman.oren@mayo.edu
Objectives:
To review nasal alar support mechanisms, introduce the concept of tractional forces on the nasal ala, and describe a reconstructive technique to correct nasal tip deformities associated with weakened tractional force on the nasal ala.
Design:
Photographic study and retrospective medical chart review.
Results:
We noted that patients with weakened support at the dome of the lower lateral cartilage had lateral alar deformities. Strengthening the cartilaginous deficiency improved the nasal appearance and function in 90% of patients.
Conclusions:
Deformities of the nasal tip are among the most difficult to correct. Tractional forces provided by dome strength help to maintain the ala in its normal anatomical position. Structural tip grafts restore the tractional force and, thereby, help to correct the alar deformity.
