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Alar Flare Preservation Using the Sandwich Technique as an Adjunct to Alar Base Reduction
Rasha Abdelkader1, Sameh El-Noamany1, Ahmed Taha1
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|May 12, 2021
Summary
This study shows that a "sandwich" graft technique with alar base reduction effectively reduces nasal flaring while preserving natural alar contour in rhinoplasty. Patients reported high satisfaction with improved aesthetic balance.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Facial Aesthetics
- Rhinoplasty Techniques
Background:
- Aesthetic balance and natural appearance of the nasal tip, alae, and nostrils are crucial for successful rhinoplasty.
- Excessive nasal flaring can negatively impact facial aesthetics and patient satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a "sandwich" graft technique combined with external alar base reduction.
- To assess the preservation of alar flare and the achievement of a natural alar contour.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 40 patients with excessive nasal flaring.
- Cartilaginous grafts were harvested from the septum (primary rhinoplasty) or conchal cartilage (secondary rhinoplasty).
- Grafts were inserted into a pocket within the alar rim soft tissue via an alar wedge excision.
Main Results:
- Average preoperative alar flare was 35.2 mm, with a postoperative reduction of 3 mm.
- Postoperative alar flare measurements showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05).
- Overall patient satisfaction was high, scoring 4.1 out of 5.
Conclusions:
- The "sandwich" graft technique with external alar base reduction improves the basal view of the nose.
- This method effectively maintains the natural alar flare and curvature.
- The combined approach leads to enhanced aesthetic outcomes in rhinoplasty.
