Description

Cottle Alar Retractor is a compact instrument used to hold the nasal ala aside during rhinoplasty and other nasal procedures. It measures 15 cm (6″) in length and has a 12 mm wide working end. The size makes it easy to position around the nostril without taking up much room in the surgical field.

The working end has a curved, broad shape with a smooth edge. Instead of narrow prongs, it gives the tissue a wider contact area while keeping the retractor small enough for work around the nasal opening. The curved end also helps the instrument sit against the tissue when it is being held aside.

During rhinoplasty, an alar retractor can be used to improve access to the nasal vestibule and surrounding structures. Holding the alar edge away gives the surgeon a clearer working area and leaves both hands free for the main part of the procedure. The 12 mm width provides enough surface to hold the tissue without using a much larger retractor.

The 15 cm (6″) length keeps the instrument easy to control. Its shaft is long and narrow, while the handle section is slightly wider, giving the fingers a steady place to hold it. The working end sits at a different angle from the shaft, so it can be placed around the edge of the nostril without bringing the entire instrument directly into the working area.

The instrument is made from surgical stainless steel, with the material marked on the handle. The solid metal construction is suitable for repeated surgical use when properly maintained. Before use, the curved working end should be checked for dents, rough spots, or changes in shape, while the shaft and handle should also be inspected for damage. Proper cleaning and sterilization should follow between procedures.

For nasal surgery where the alar edge needs to be held aside, Cottle Alar Retractor offers a simple design with a compact working end. Its 15 cm (6″) length and 12 mm width make it easy to position and control around the nostril, while the broad curved end gives the tissue a stable surface for retraction.