Three-Part Analysis for Designing Nasal Alar Reduction Surgery in Asian Patients

Abstract

Background: The external nasal alar reduction can be associated with many complications, such as nostril malformation and significant scarring. The authors proposed a 3-part analysis method for the design of nasal alar reduction surgery with the aim of improving nasal alar morphology more precisely. Methods: The 3-part analysis was based on the patient’s flared nose, wide nasal base, and drooping ala, respectively. We included 20 patients who underwent this surgery between January 2021 and January 2022. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) were used to assess postoperative scar outcomes. The preoperative and postoperative ratios of the interalar distance to intercanthal distance and nostril shape were analyzed. Patient-reported satisfaction with the esthetic outcome was also assessed. Results: All operations were successfully completed. There were no postoperative complications, such as wound infection or skin necrosis. Both VAS and SBSES assessment of postoperative scarring suggested keloid hyperplasia at 3 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, the scarring was insignificant and improved significantly over 3 months postoperatively. The mean ratio of the interalar distance to intercanthal distance decreased significantly from 1.15 preoperatively to 1.01 postoperatively (P<0.05). The shape of the patient’s nostrils was also significantly improved after surgery compared with the preoperative period. Patient-reported satisfaction after surgery was high at long-term follow-up. Conclusions: The 3-part analysis to design an external nasal alar reduction procedure can accurately improve the morphology of nasal flaring, excessively wide nasal alar base, and nasal ptosis in Asian patients. Level of Evidence: IV.