Will Alar Rim Grafts Make my Nostril Sidewalls (Which Are Very Thick) Look Thinner?
asked 11 months ago by elise1984 in Cleveland, OH
Latest answer by Temp Patterson, MD
Question viewed 260 times
Tags: alar rim graft, nostril reduction, thinning
I have thick nostrils that I feel make my nose look too wide towards the bottom--(I have already had a too-aggressive nostril reduction(incisions were made in alar creases around nostrils) but my nostril sidewalls still are too tall,and wide and spread too widely when I smile---will alar grafts prevent the flaring when I smile? are there any other procedures to bring the nostril sidewalls in medially towards the dorsum? cinch or v-y advancement?
6 answers to Will Alar Rim Grafts Make my Nostril Sidewalls (Which Are Very Thick) Look Thinner?
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Alar rim grafts
Alar rim grafts, also known as alar contour grafts, are grafts used in rhinoplasty to improve the triangularity of the nose. Grafts are placed in the most caudal aspect of the nasal ala (near the nostril openings) in an effort to prevent a pinched nose appearance. The grafts are also helpful in improving the transition from an area of narrowness to one without support. Often times this will prevent excessive nasal tip pinching or a tent pole deformity. It does not usually make the nostrils...
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Temp Patterson, MD
Burley Facial Plastic Surgeon
Burley Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Rhinoplasty revision
The optimal relative proportions are left-right cheek nose junction distance equal to the distance between the inner and outer corners of an eye. Usually this is 32mm. The distance can be larger if the nostrils are bigger or the nostril rims are bigger (than the usual 3 to 5 mm) or some combination of these 2 causes. The procedure for correcting depends on what is causing it. If the nostril rims are thick and the nostril size is normal it is better to thin the fat in the rims than to try and...
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Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Alar grafts
Without seeing you or at least pictures, it is hard to tell. It sounds like you have had external Weir incisions to reduce the base width. There is a practical limit to that procedure. If over done. the nasal base takes on a box like configuration and breathing can be impaired. I don't think alar grafts as I understand the question would help
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Alar grafts
Alar rim grafts will more than likely provide stronger support to the alarl rims, but will more than likely make them thicker rather than thinner.
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Alar sidewalls thick.
I would have to see the photos of what has been done previously and what tissue remains. Alar rim grafts are done for "pinching" of the tip, not thick walls.
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Thinner no.
Alar grafts are used in nasal reconstruction to fix over resected alar cartilages. Over resection is a common post rhinoplasty issue. This can contribute to alar retraction and collapse of the nasal valve when you breath. The grafts are used to help restore the natural strength to the ala. Typically, grafts are harvested from septal or ear cartilage. Then these are not available other types of cartilage may be used such as rib cartilage. This more...
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