Background and objective.

Nasal base reduction techniques are frequently used in primary and revision rhinoplasties when interalar distance exceeds the intercanthal distance. The most common nasal base reduction technique is direct alar resection. Alternative methods include increasing dorsal nasal projection and nasal base medialization techniques.

We investigate in a mixed-nosed population whether percutaneous alar base reduction is a useful technique to decrease the width of the alar base and whether the result lasts

Methods.

Prospective study including 20 patients measuring nasal base medial widths at immediate postoperative period, 2 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years; also investigate the level of patient satisfaction with this procedure.

Results.

Twenty patients in the study, 80% (16 patients) were women and 20% (4 patients) were men. Mean nasal base widths measured at the respective postoperative period were as follows: immediate = 32.15 mm (±2.25, SD); 2-weeks = 33.95 mm (±2.97, SD); 6 months = 36.10 mm (±2.80, SD); 1-year = 36.42 mm (±2.86, SD); and 2-year = 36.42 mm (±2.86, SD). Our study showed an immediate mean reduction of nasal base width of 10.8 mm, and a final mean reduction of 6.52 mm, corresponding to a 4.27 mm loss in reduction over the study period. comparisons made between subsequent consecutive time points, such as 2-week versus 6-months, and 6-months versus 1-year, continued to demonstrate a significant difference between groups. After 1 year, there was no statistical significance of the measurements relative to 2 years, suggesting that the final result was achieved after approximately 1-year of follow-up.

Conclusions.

Our study experience showed that percutaneous nasal reduction is a useful tool for nasal base reduction in patients with broad alar base. The surgical outcome remained stable after 1-year postoperatively.

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