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The morphology of the nostril sill

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Abstract

The nostril sill is a structure which has been overlooked in both anatomical and surgical texts. An understanding of the normal anatomy will help in reconstruction of the nostril both in congenital and acquired conditions, including cleft lip. In order to investigate this feature 100 normal Caucasian adults, with equal sex incidence, have been assessed by direct measurement and photography. Three major variants of form were identified with significant differences in sill height and angulation seen. A true nostril sill was found in only 62% of the study population and sex differences were noted among the variants. A relationship was noted between each nostril sill variant and nostril type. The implications for reconstruction are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Welsh Centre for Burns, Plastic and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, St. Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow, NP6 5YX, Gwent, UK

    M. S. Irwin & M. A. P. Milling

Authors
  1. M. S. Irwin
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  2. M. A. P. Milling
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Irwin, M.S., Milling, M.A.P. The morphology of the nostril sill. Eur J Plast Surg 18, 276–280 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00178539

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00178539

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