Collapsed nasal-valve widening by composite grafting to the nasal floor.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this article is to provide surgeons with a "how to do it" approach to surgically increase the widest diameter of the nasal valve.

METHOD: An approach utilizing a composite graft from the aural concha to the nasal floor is described, with a brief report of the postoperative results in 13 cases.

RESULTS: An objective, measurable improvement in nasal-valve aperture was demonstrated in 77% of operated cases, with 77% of patients indicating a good to excellent rating in satisfaction with the procedure.

CONCLUSION: With minimal scarring and no excisions of supporting structures involved, this method has proved to be effective in the repair of nasal-valve narrowing.