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How Soon After Rhinoplasty Can You Fix Alar Retraction?

For a minor alar retraction on one nostril, how long must I wait after rhinoplasty to get this fixed? Is it necessary to wait a full year? What would you recommend for a minor alar retraction (about 1-2mm)? Grafts, fillers, other?

Doctor Answers 5

Fixing Alar Retraction

October 1st, 2010
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I would wait 9-12 months after rhinoplasty to correct alar retraction - it may change as the tip heals. There is no urgency, especially when you describe this as "minor".  Depending on location, a very small cartilage graft is usually the easiest treatment. 

Richard W. Fleming, MD


Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

Revisions after Rhonplasty

September 22nd, 2010
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Alar retraction of 1-2 mm may resolve if your rhinoplasty was fairly recent.  If you are convinced that revision is  necessary then I would wait a minimum of 6 months.

Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, FACS

How Soon After Rhinoplasty SHOULD You Fix Alar Retraction?

September 22nd, 2010
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Regarding : "How Soon After Rhinoplasty Can You Fix Alar Retraction?
For a minor alar retraction on one nostril, how long must I wait after rhinoplasty to get this fixed? Is it necessary to wait a full year? What would you recommend for a minor alar retraction (about 1-2mm)? Grafts, fillers, other?"

I agree with Dr. Placik. The longer you wait before you jump in and try and fix it, the better the odds that time will greatly fix it itself. The repair would depend on the cause and location but in many cases you may need a cartilage graft support.

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 100 reviews

How soon can one repair an alar retraction after rhinoplasty.

September 21st, 2010
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Best at wait at least 6 months. Fillers are not for this problem. A small graft is all you need from the ear or septum.

Toby Mayer, MD

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 32 reviews

Alar retraction following rhinoplasty (nose job)

September 21st, 2010
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I would wait at least one year after surgery. If relatively soon after surgery this could be associated with scarring and fibrosis and could respond to massage, steroids or even low dose Botox. I would defer grafts for at least a year.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 72 reviews

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