Alar rim graft please help! How soon can a alar rim graft be done after a rhinoplasty?

Question

Had Rhinoplasty three weeks ago nose is straight but right front nostril rim has retraction and tip looks a little depressed on same side like skin is stuck to it. I know there is swelling but it looks so bad because one side is so different from the other side and it is on a teenage girl who has to go back to school. How soon can a alar rim graft be done after a rhinoplasty? Tip work and bridge work was done skin is thin. Can she have a temporary filler to get her through until it can be fixed?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The swelling can alter the appearance quite a bit in the early postoperative period.  The nose 
can be swollen for up to a year or more.  Swelling will depend upon the 
nature of maneuvers employed, presence of grafts or implants, thickness 
of skin, open vs closed, revision vs primary,  etc.	Kenneth Hughes, MD	Los Angeles, CA

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

At just three weeks after surgery, you are not yet looking at the approximate final result and whether you will have permanent alar retraction is not yet certain. Even if it was certain, this is too early in the healing process to disrupt the tissues. It is always better to wait until he tissues are healed preferably at six months after the original procedure. In the interim, you could have some injectable filler placed at around 6 weeks after surgery.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

It is way to early to make a judgement about the final result. Consult and trust your surgeon or seek a second opinion.Best wishes

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,You may want to wait at least 4 to 6 months to see how things pan out. It's difficult to evaluate your nose without a photo. Best,Dr.S.

Alar rim graft please help! How soon can a alar rim graft be done after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Alar Rim Graft

Answer: Alar Rim Graft

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Alar rim graft please help! How soon can a alar rim graft be done after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

Answer: Alar Rim Graft

Answer: Alar Rim Graft

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.