Park-Weir Excision for Flaring Alar Correction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Straight closure line of classic Weir excision leaves visible scars and makes it difficult to precisely approximate resection margins. Hence this study introduces Park-Weir excision that effectively reduces alar width with minimal alar rim scar by 3-dimensional zigzag incision and properly controls the approximation of edges. METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, 14 patients underwent Park-Weir excision, crossed wedge excision on alar rim not exceeding 5mm in width. Each patient was photographed in the same position. Alar width and columellar height against intercanthal distance was compared preoperatively and postoperatively, using image analysis software. RESULTS: Five patients were female and nine were male. Average follow up period was 8 month. Alar width was reduced by 50.50% to 45.96%, original alar width reduced by 8.98% without significant changes in columellar height which was reduced by 0.39%. No visible scar was reported during outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Park-Weir excision effectively reduces alar width and corrects the flaring of alar without affecting the columellar height. Zigzag incision of Park-Weir excision leaves aesthetically more pleasant scar than straight single incision of classical Weir excision.