Sequential Alar Base Resection in Primary and Secondary Rhinoplasty.

Abstract

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a historical challenge for plastic surgeons, particularly when dealing with wide and asymmetric alar base and nostrils. The aim of this article is to describe our personal alar base resection technique, the Sequential Alar Base Resection (SABR), to increase the possibilities of symmetric and customized alar reductions, refining the alar base and nostrils, respecting the ethnic identity. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent SABR between January 2019 and August 2023at our clinic in Rio de Janeiro. SABR technical details, alar resection patterns and outcomes are described. Patients' satisfaction was investigated according to the ROE questionnaire. We included 423 patients. According to the mean postoperative Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE score), satisfactory results in nasal contour were reported. All patients had a significant improvement in terms of symmetry and harmony of the nasal base. No SABR specific complication occurred. Alar resection site morbidity was minimal. This study highlights that the SABR technique, by achieving alar base reduction with a two-step sequential procedure, facilitates customized alar recontouring and symmetric results, contributing to improved functional and aesthetic outcomes. The procedure has a high patient satisfaction rate, and minimal complication.