Nasal Base Retraction: A Treatment Algorithm.
BACKGROUND
Nasal base retraction results from cephalic malposition of the alar base in the vertical plane, which causes disharmony of the alar base with the rest of the nose structures. Correcting nasal base retraction is very important for improved aesthetic outcomes; however, there is a limited body of literature about this deformity and its treatment.


OBJECTIVE
Create a nasal base retraction treatment algorithm based on a severity classification system.


METHODS
This is a retrospective case review study of 53 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with correction of alar base retraction by the senior author (S.T.). The minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Levator labii alaque nasi muscle dissection or alar base release with or without a rim graft on the effected side were performed based on the severity of the alar base retraction. Aesthetic results were assessed with objective grading of preoperative and postoperative patient photographs by two independent plastic surgeons. Functional improvement was assessed with patient self-evaluations of nasal patency. Also, a rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) questionnaire was distributed to patients.


RESULTS
Comparison of preoperative and postoperative photographs demonstrated that nasal base asymmetry was significantly improved in all cases, and 85% of the patients had complete symmetry. Nasal obstruction was also significantly reduced after surgery (P < 0.001). The majority of patients reported satisfaction (92.5%), with an ROE total score greater than or equal to 20.


CONCLUSIONS
New techniques and a treatment algorithm for correcting nasal base retraction deformities that will help rhinoplasty surgeons obtain aesthetically and functionally pleasing outcomes for patients.


METHODS
Dr Tas is an Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medicalpark Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University, Istanbul, Turkey. Dr Colakoglu is Chief Resident, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Queens, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA. Dr Lee is an Associate Professor, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Süleyman
S
Tas
Dr Tas is an Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medicalpark Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University, Istanbul, Turkey. Dr Colakoglu is Chief Resident, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Queens, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA. Dr Lee is an Associate Professor, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Salih
S
Colakoglu
Dr Tas is an Assistant Professor, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Medicalpark Gaziosmanpasa Hospital, Istanbul Kemerburgaz University, Istanbul, Turkey. Dr Colakoglu is Chief Resident, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Queens, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA. Dr Lee is an Associate Professor, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Bernard Travis
BT
Lee
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult