Correction fo the Short Nose: Relocation of the Alar Cartilge Using Silicone Implants

ABSTRACT

Short nose is characterized by decreased distance from the nasion to tip defining point and increased nasolabial angle with increased nostril show. Lengthening the short nose is arguably the most difficult operation in aesthetic rhinoplasty. We have described here a simple and easy technique that lengthen the short nose by using silicone implant has been popular among Asian for augmentation rhinoplasty. Through open rhinoplastic approach, wide undermining of the nasal skin is performed to allow redraping of the skin over the lengthened skeletal framework without excessive tension. Alar cartilage is released from upper lateral cartilage and relocated caudally. After relocation of alar cartilage, silicone implant is inserted in subperiosteal pocket and immobilized by nonabsorbable suture material at dorsal aspect of septal cartilage. Narrow caudal end of implant is sutured between medial crura of alar cartilage which were caudally rotated. This implant not only raise the nasion but can move the tip-defining point caudally by keeping the alar cartilage in new position. Tip graft is done with conchal cartilage. We have got the satisfactory result in cosmetic aspect without any complications.