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Facial Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2775-5859
Original Research

A Comparative Analysis of Nasal Valve Surgery Methods

Authors

  • Gonçalo Caetano

    1   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira Guimarães, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Ricardo Matos

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Mariana Santos

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Duarte Morgado

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Catarina Pinto

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Inês Veloso

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Raquel Robles

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)

  • Rui Fonseca

    2   Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimaraes, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN70893)
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Introduction: Internal nasal valve insufficiency is a major cause of nasal obstruction. Alar batten grafts (ABG) are commonly used, but data on lateral crural tensioning (LCT) remain limited. Objectives & Hypotheses: To compare the efficacy of ABG and LCT techniques in improving nasal airflow. Primary outcomes were NOSE score and revision surgery rate; secondary outcome was complication rate. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study (PICOS). Methods: Twenty-two patients undergoing rhinoplasty for nasal valve insufficiency (2017–2023) were included: ABG (n=8) and LCT (n=14). NOSE scores were obtained via telephone survey. Data were collected from clinical records. Results: Mean NOSE scores improved from 55 to 30.6 overall. ABG improved from 51.7 to 31.7; LCT from 56.7 to 30. One ABG patient required revision (12.5%); none in LCT group. Differences were not statistically significant between groups. Conclusions: LCT showed greater symptom improvement and no revisions. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm efficacy.



Publication History

Received: 14 May 2025

Accepted after revision: 18 December 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
22 December 2025

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