Preservation of the nasal valve area with a lateral crural hinged flap: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND

Overresection of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages is referred to as the most common cause of nasal valve collapse after rhinoplasty. The modern approach to functional rhinoplasty recognizes the importance of the tip framework's structural integrity and preserves tip support.

METHODS

Traditional cephalic resections of lateral crura were performed on one side of five adult cadaver noses. On the opposite sides, hinged flaps of lateral crura were created. The noses were cross-sectioned at or near the internal nasal valve level, and the difference between the two sides was described.

RESULTS

The study findings demonstrated improvement in the postoperation nasal valve area of the hinged flap side compared with the cephalic trim side.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study showed that the hinged flap is an option in nasal tip reduction surgery that may provide improved long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes through preservation of the nasal valve area.