Correction of Alar Retraction by Articulated Alar Rim Graft Combined with V-Y Advancement

Abstract Background The alar-columellar relationship was crucial for aesthetic evaluation of the lower nasal area, with alar retraction being a common and challenging deformity in Asian rhinoplasty. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of articulated alar rim graft (AARG) combined with V-Y advancement in correcting alar retraction. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 patients (48 sides of alae) who underwent revision rhinoplasty using AARG combined with V-Y advancement between September 2021 and June 2022. Postoperative photograph was used to follow-up with the patients. The distance from the alar rim to the nostril axis was measured preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the correction effectiveness. Results The mean follow-up period was 8 months. The preoperative distance from the alar rim to the nostril axis averaged 3.4 mm, reduced to 1.5 mm postoperatively. The average reduction was 1.9 mm. Most patients exhibited natural soft tissue contours postoperatively, with no significant graft-related complications. Conclusions The combination of AARG and V-Y advancement is effective in correcting alar retraction, maintaining aesthetic nasal contours, and preventing long-term alar deformities. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .