Lower lateral crural reverse plasty: a technique to correct severe concavities of the lateral crus.

BACKGROUND: Excessive concavities of the lower lateral crura can lead to heavy aesthetic disfigurement of the nasal tip and to insufficiencies of the external nasal valve. This study reviewed experience with the lower lateral crural reverse plasty technique that uses the existing cartilage to create the desired lower lateral cartilage contour and provides sufficient alar rim support.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted with a follow-up period ranging from 9 to 33 months. The technique was applied in primary (n = 13) and secondary (n = 3) open rhinoplasties to correct severe concavities of the lower lateral cartilages. Two case examples and intraoperative photographs are presented to illustrate the technique and its results.

RESULTS: The lower lateral crural reverse plasty proved its applicability for the functional and aesthetical correction of severe lower lateral crura concavities. By dissecting the distorted lateral crus, turning it around, and suturing it back in place, surgeons can "reconstruct" a new lateral crus with existing cartilage. No additional cartilage is needed, and no harvesting at a different location needs to be performed. After rhinoplasty, no alar rim instabilities were observed. In three cases, even preexisting instabilities were corrected. Aesthetically enduring results were observed, and no overcorrection or alar retraction was seen.

CONCLUSION: With the lower lateral crural reverse plasty, severe concavities of the lower lateral crura can be corrected. This technique is a useful and reproducible procedure, performed without additional tissue to achieve functionally and aesthetically satisfying and enduring results.