Lateral crural turn-in flap in functional rhinoplasty

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Rhinology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Nasal valve collapse can impair airflow.
• Existing techniques may not adequately address lateral crural width and support.
• Cartilage grafts are often used to reconstruct nasal valve structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the lateral crural turn-in flap (LCTF) technique.
• To utilize trimmed cartilage as a supportive element for nasal valves.
• To reshape and support the lateral crura and internal nasal valve.

Main Methods:

• The LCTF technique involves trimming and repositioning cephalic portions of the lateral crura.
• Twenty-four patients with lateral crura wider than 12 mm underwent the LCTF procedure.
• Trimmed cartilage was used to reconstruct and support the lateral crus and internal valve, preserving the scroll.

Main Results:

• The LCTF technique demonstrated great success in reshaping and adding structure to the lateral crus in 24 patients.
• The technique effectively maintained internal valve patency by preserving the scroll area.
• In one case with concave lateral crura, the LCTF widened the internal valve angle.

Conclusions:

• The LCTF technique is effective for reshaping and structuring the lateral crus and suspending the internal nasal valve.
• This technique shows promise as a standalone method in functional rhinoplasty.
• Optimal functional outcomes may be achieved by combining LCTF with other techniques like spreader flaps/grafts or alar battens.