Cosmetic and Functional Effects of Cephalic Malposition of the Lower Lateral Cartilages: A Facial Plastic Surgical Case Study

Certain anatomic variations of the lower lateral cartilages can predispose patients to nasal obstruction. One particular orientation is the cephalic malposition of the lower lateral cartilages which often results in both cosmetic and functional nasal effects. This article will discuss the pertinent surgical anatomy, diagnosis, the process to identify patients at risk with cephalic malposition of the lower lateral cartilages, pitfalls, and poor surgical changes that result in external nasal valve collapse. Appropriate diagnosis, prevention, and surgical maneuvers to address this will be discussed.