Lower lateral crural turnover flap combined with alar batten graft for the long-term result of the treatment of alar convexities

Abstract

Introduction: Concave lower lateral cartilages not only cause an esthetic defect but can also lead to external nasal valve insufficiency. The objective of this article is to analyze the combination of two well-known surgical techniques: turning over the alar cartilages as well as the addition of grafts in order to obtain satisfying esthetic and functional long term results. Materials and methods: From August 2016 to July 2018, 62 rhinoplasties, a combination of both primary and revision cases, were performed at the Rouen University Hospital in France. Six of these involved the correction of concave alar cartilages. The turnover technique alone or in combination with Batten grafts was performed. Results: Immediate and 3-months post-operative esthetic results using the turnover flap technique were satisfactory. Alar batten grafts were occasionally employed in order to maintain the newly positioned alar cartilages and avoid long-term contour depressions. Conclusion: The combination of these two techniques seems to be an interesting solution to maintain long-term esthetic results.