Assessment of Alar Flare and Efficacy of Alar Cinch Suture in the Management of Alar Flare Following Le Fort 1 Superior Repositioning: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively analyze the amount of alar flare, factors contributing to alar flare and efficacy of cinch suture as an adjunctive procedure for alar flare reduction.

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty adult patients with vertical maxillary excess, who underwent Le Fort 1 impaction, were divided into 2 groups of 15 each. Alar cinch was performed as an adjunct procedure in group 2 patients and results were compared to group 1 which was the control group. Measurements were made on the patients and on 1:1 standardized photographs.

RESULTS: Group 2 showed a near pre-operative alar position compared to group 1. The alar flare resulting from every millimeter of impaction was significantly less in group 2 compared to group 1.

CONCLUSION: Alar cinch suture restores the normal alar width by preventing the lateral drift of the naso-labial muscle and thereby reducing the postoperative nasal flare significantly.