The intercartilaginous graft for actual and potential alar retraction.

BACKGROUND: Alar retraction deformities occasionally require significant soft-tissue release and relatively large cartilage grafts. In addition, correction of the short nose by only lengthening the septum can result in potential postoperative alar retraction. Consequently, both types of cases, true and potential alar retraction (in short noses), would benefit from a technique that lengthens the sidewall of the nose.

METHODS: The intercartilaginous graft technique is a modification of the lateral crural strut graft technique. An intercartilaginous graft is inserted between the upper lateral cartilage and what remains of the lateral crus (lateral crus element). The technique emphasizes maximum soft-tissue release to insert a cartilaginous graft that spans the gap between the upper lateral cartilage and the lateral crus element. The graft is inserted under slight tension to maintain maximum lengthening of the sidewall of the nose.

RESULTS: Thirteen patients had intercartilaginous grafts placed. Seven patients had actual alar retraction and six patients had short noses with potential alar retraction. There was no postoperative alar retraction in 10 patients. Two patients with actual alar retraction were not completely corrected, and one required surgical revision. One patient with a short nose exhibited postoperative alar retraction, but it was not significant enough to warrant reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS: The intercartilaginous graft technique, a modification of the lateral crural strut graft technique, corrects moderate to severe alar retraction and prevents alar retraction after lengthening of very short noses. Its success depends on substantial soft-tissue release and insertion of a maximal sized graft between the upper lateral cartilage and the lateral crus element under slight tension.