Non-Caucasian rhinoplasty: a 16-year experience

Rhinoplasty was performed in 134 non-Caucasians over a 16-year period. The indications and techniques for operative approaches pertinent to achieving facial balance and symmetry in the non-Caucasian are described. Alar flaring is best addressed with alar base resection. Alar base resection does not significantly narrow alar width. Reduction in interalar distance is best performed with interalar reduction. If alar flare and wide interalar distance coexist, one should always consider a secondary or tertiary procedure. Planning a secondary procedure avoids devitalizing tissues and multiple super-imposed incisions and permits minor revisions. A simplified approach to removal of excessive tip fat is discussed. Methods of addressing complications peculiar to non-Caucasian rhinoplasties are described. In order to avoid racial incongruity, one must incorporate an alar narrowing procedure, i.e., interalar reduction or alar sill advancement. The results of this study reemphasize the importance of analyzing the nose with respect to the rest of the face in order to establish guidelines for these often difficult nasal reconstructions.