The effect of lateral crural overlay surgical technique on elasticity of nasal ala

The nasal tip refinement is the most difficult stages of rhinoplasty surgery; whereas, the most important part in terms of beauty and performance is the projection refinement. Lateral crural overlay (LCO) is a common technique in rhinoplasty used to reduce nasal tip projection and increase nasal tip rotation. Given the important role of lower lateral cartilage (LLC) in the non-collapse of nasal external valve and air passage, it is necessary to evaluate the changes in nasal elasticity caused by surgery. The design of this quasi experimental study was self-control (before-after). Tip plasty was performed on twenty-four samples (12 cases of rhinoplasty) using LCO technique. To examine the elasticity, the strain index of each ala was measured by a mechanical device, invented by the author, before and after the operation. Out of 24 samples 12 were female and 12 were male. The mean strain index of nasal ala before and after the surgery was 0.24 +/- 0.046 and 0.19 +/- 0.040 respectively (P < 0.001). The mean strain index of nasal ala before and after surgery for female was 0.27 +/- 0.046 and 0.20 +/- 0.050 respectively (P = 0.004). For male, it was 0.20 +/- 0.018 before and 0.18 +/- 0.020 after the surgery. (P < 0.001). Using LCO surgical technique for nasal tip refinement can lead to nasal elasticity increase regardless of gender; although, LLC is cut during implementing this technique.