Revision Rhinoplasty Q&A
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Small Skin Grafts for Alar Retraction?
asked 1 year ago by johndoe85
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 776 times
Tags: nostrils, male, asymmetry, alar, graft, 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?
7 answers to Small Skin Grafts for Alar Retraction?
+2
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...
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+2
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...
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+1
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
+1
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...
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Anthony Corrado, DO
Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgeon
Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
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.
+1
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.
+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.
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