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Do I Have Alar Retraction?

asked 1 year ago by AndrewsMom in Long Beach, CA
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 387 times
Tags: nostrils

I had rhinoplasty 20 years ago. I've never been happy with my new nose. I think it's too short and it looks "pinched". I plan to get revision rhinoplasty. I believe it's called tip-plasty. One doctor told me that I need a "graft" from my ear to fix it. Could someone give their opinion about what needs to be done, if anything? Sorry but this site only allows one picture. I will try to post a side view in a following posts

2 answers to Do I Have Alar Retraction?

+1

Alar Retraction

You do have asymmetrical alar retraction, which can be corrected with cartilage or cartilage and skin grafts placed inside your nose. Your tip is pinched and the columella (the structure between your nostrils) is hanging. All of this would be improved with a partial rhinoplasty, called a tip-plasty.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+1

Alar retraction in rhinoplasty and how to fix it.

It appears from the photo that you do have an alar retraction as well as a pinched tip. I would need to see the profile view to see if you need the alar grafts, what type and possibly your columella needs elevation. Usually I repair the ala with cartilage grafts only and sometimes have to use ear grafts to lengthen the alae. See an experienced revision rhinoplasty expert who can show you noses like yours after repair as I do on the website, 
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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