Partial Agenesis of the Lower Lateral Cartilage in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: A Case Report

Congenital absence of nasal cartilage elements is a rare finding in patients undergoing elective rhinoplasty. We report a case of a 27-year-old woman with no prior trauma, respiratory complaints, or syndromic features, who presented for aesthetic rhinoplasty. Intraoperatively, congenital agenesis of the left middle and lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC) was identified. Reconstruction was performed using septal cartilage harvested during submucosal resection. The patient had an excellent aesthetic and functional outcome. This case highlights the importance of surgeon preparedness for unexpected congenital anomalies, even in cosmetic settings.