A Comparative Analysis of Nasal Valve Surgery Methods

Internal nasal valve insufficiency is a major cause of nasal obstruction. Alar batten grafts (ABGs) are commonly used, but data on lateral crural tensioning (LCT) remain limited.To compare the efficacy of ABG and LCT techniques in improving nasal airflow. Primary outcomes were nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) score and revision surgery rate; secondary outcome was complication rate.Retrospective cohort study (PICOS).The study included 22 patients undergoing rhinoplasty for nasal valve insufficiency (2017-2023): ABG (<i>n</i> = 8) and LCT (<i>n</i> = 14). NOSE scores were obtained via telephone survey. Data were collected from clinical records.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.LCT showed greater symptom improvement and no revisions. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm efficacy.