Nasal obstruction from facial palsy

Nasal obstruction due to a collapsed nasal ala occurred in 2% of our patients with facial paralysis. The denervated dilator nasal muscles allow the ala on the paralyzed side to collapse leading to increased resistance to inspiration. This symptom was further aggravated by preexisting external and nasoseptal obstructing deformities. Nasal obstruction from facial paralysis was corrected with septorhinoplasty techniques in three patients and by lateralization of the ala with a facial sling in another.