Bilateral alar cartilage reduction rhinoplasty allows primary repair of alar defects in the bulbous nose.

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgeons have many reconstructive options for lower nasal skin defects, but given the unique aesthetic features of nasal skin the best source for reconstruction is nasal skin itself, when sufficient quantity exists.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of bilateral alar cartilage reduction rhinoplasty in combination with a nasal flap to facilitate immediate reconstruction of defects of the nasal tip, soft triangle and alar margin.

METHODS: This prospective study analyzed the aesthetic outcome after reconstruction with bilateral alar cartilage reduction rhinoplasty to reduce the nasal rim and create an excess of skin sufficient to facilitate immediate reconstruction of defects of the nasal tip, soft triangle and alar margin.

RESULTS: All wounds healed primarily and patient satisfaction was achieved.

CONCLUSION: Bilateral alar cartilage reduction rhinoplasty allows single-stage reconstruction of defects of the nasal tip, soft triangle, and medial alar rim in the bulbous nose. By placing incisions along the borders of the aesthetic subunits, this novel approach to primary reconstruction of the nasal tip, soft triangle, and medial alar rim provides skin with a superior color and texture match, maintains a satisfactory contour of the nasal rim, and optimizes the likelihood of good scar quality.