Expanded Role of Alar Contour Grafts

Alar rim deformities are among the most common problems affecting patients undergoing both primary and secondary rhinoplasty. They can be caused by several factors such as congenital hypoplasia or malpositioning of the lateral crura, and from acquired surgical weakening during rhinoplasty. Even though altering the structure of the lower lateral cartilage complex can help prevent and correct alar rim deformities, this may not always allow for sufficient control of the alar rim. Alar contour grafts have been proven efficacious not just in the treatment of specific rim deformities but also in their prevention. In this article, the authors present four types of alar contour grafts and discuss their expanded role in the prevention and treatment of alar rim deformities.