Small Skin Grafts for Alar Retraction?

Hi,I have undergone revision rhino 3 months ago.I'm very happy with everything except for minor 1side alar retraction(photo). It is not structural, and I am sure it is from scarring. When I look at it in mirror it doesnt look bad, but in photos its very obvious. I read one doctor saying that "Alternatively, if there is nostril scarring, small skin grafts are placed inside the nose to push down the retracted nostrils."Can I have some more info on this procedure please?Can local freezing be used?

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alar nostrils male asymmetry graft retraction

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by johndoe85

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (1)

Your retracted nostril may be improved by a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty procedure.

I read your concern and reviewed your photo. If your retracted right nostril is your only concern after revision rhinoplasty surgery, this may be improved by a well-performed Injectable Filler procedure. My personal experience is with Silikon-1000 for permanent results. I've attached a photo from my RealSelf gallery demonstrating nostril lowering after previous rhinoplasty surgery. I hope this is helpful for you. Regards from NJ.

Eric M. Joseph, MD

198 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

How to correct alar retraction

There are several approaches to correcting alar retraction. For mild cases, placement of a rim graft can help lower the alar margin. In more significant cases, I have found very good success using a lower lateral cartilage repositioning maneuver. This involves freeing up the cartilage that makes up the tip on that side and moving it down somewhat so that it brings the alar margin down. Pretty significant retractions can be treated using this technique. Additional cartilage... more

Correcting asymmetric nostrils after rhinoplasty

Lowering a nostril which is retracted can be done quite easily and predictably with the placement of a composite graft or a small cartilage graft, such as a rim graft. The composite graft consists of skin and cartilage and is usually harvested from the ear. The rim graft can be taken from the ear or septum and placed in a small pocket along the inside of the nostril. In both cases, the procedure can be comfortably performed in 30-45 minutes under local anesthesia, with or without mild... more

Composite grafts or rim grafts to correct alar retraction in rhinoplasty

Local anesthesia can be used for the procedure to correct the alar retraction. Cartilage is necessary to push the retracted nostril down, in the form of a rim graft, or cartilage + skin in the form of a composite graft. A composite graft is a small, fusiform shaped piece of skin and cartilage that is taken from the mid-portion of your ear (concha). Once healed, you shouldn't notice a change to the shape or appearance of your ear donor site. A small incision is then... more

Options for mild alar retraction

You should at least wait 6-8 months - grafting of the rim (either cartilage or skin+cartilage) can be done internally with local or light IV sedation

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Correction of Alar Retraction following Rhinoplasty

I can appreciate your concerns about the alar retraction present on the right. At this time, I would wait until the "shrink wrap effects" of scar tissue formation under the nasal skin and soft tissue have fully matured, about one year postoperatively. If this retraction is still present or worsened, it can easily be fixed with cartilage grafting. For small amounts of alar retraction, rim grafts can be placed in precise pockets under the nasal skin to lower the... more

Alar Retraction

Your alar retraction can be corrected by using a small cartilage graft or a composite graft of cartilage and skin to lower the nostril margin. Carttilage and/or skin are harvested from the ear. I strongly suggest you wait 6-9 months.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Grafts and Alar Retraction

Hi, Alar retraction can be corrected using composite grafts place in the area of retraction. The composite graft comprise of skin, cartilage and soft tissue usually harvested from the ear. You may also require some tip work as well. Best, Dr.S.