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Facial Plast Surg 2006; 22(4): 266-280
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-954845
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Nasal Valves-Importance and Surgical Procedures

Helmut Fischer1 , Wolfgang Gubisch1
  • 1Department of Facial Plastic Surgery, Marienhospital, Stuttgart, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
28 November 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

One of the most difficult aspects in rhinoplasty is resolving and preventing functional compromise of the nasal valve area reliably. The nasal valves are crucial for the individual breathing competence of the nose. Structural and functional elements contribute to this complex system: the nasolabial angle, the configuration and stability of the alae, the function of the internal nasal valve, the anterior septum symmetrically separating the bilateral airways and giving structural and functional support to the alar cartilage complex and to their junction with the upper lateral cartilages, the scroll area. Subsequently, the open angle between septum and sidewalls is important for sufficient airflow as well as the position and function of the head of the turbinates. The clinical examination of these elements is described. Surgical techniques are more or less well known and demonstrated with patient examples and drawings: anterior septoplasty, reconstruction of tip and dorsum support by septal extension grafts and septal replacement, tip suspension and lateral crural sliding technique, spreader grafts and suture techniques, splay grafts, alar batten grafts, lateral crural extension grafts, and lateral alar suspension. The numerous literature is reviewed.

KEYWORDS

Nasal valves - functional aesthetic rhinoplasty - septoplasty - cartilage grafts - spreader grafts

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 Dr. med
Helmut Fischer

Klinik für Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Zentrum Plastische Chirurgie/Marienhospital

Boeheimstrasse 37, 70199 Stuttgart, Deutschland