The hanging ala.
The relationship of the alar rim to the columella can be altered during rhinoplasty. This may be especially true when a long nose has been shortened. In thin-skinned individuals, elevation of the ala may be accomplished by resection of the caudal aspect of the lateral crus without trimming the lining. In thick-skinned individuals, elevation of the ala may be accomplished by resection of the nasal lining at the cephalad border of the alar cartilage.
D002356:Cartilage / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009666:Nose / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012885:Skinfold Thickness