Changing the nostril wall thickness. What do these nostril wall excisions in the diagram accomplish? (photo)

Question

I'm an Asian female researching methods used to change the shape and size of nostrils. When looking up "nostril wall thinning" I came across these diagrams. Can you tell me more about what each method is used for? Can the nostril wall really be thinned with no scarring? How often are these methods used in Asian rhinoplasty? I'm aware of the Weir and Sill incisions but these are new to me. Thank you.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

I've performed this multiple times and I have not encountered scarring issues referenced by some. When the alar walls are extremely thick, the risk of scarring is worth the trade-off. I would not recommend it for a minor thickness problem.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Thinning the nostril wall width (alar thickness) is challenging.  In this area of the nose there is no cartilaginous or bony structure--it is simply fibrous soft tissue beneath the skin.  For this reason, reduction requires removal of soft tissue, a process which is difficult to do precisely.  The other problem is it leaves an external skin scar which in some cases may be visible after surgery.  The method you show in the diagrams can reduce alar thickness, but the scars on the lower edge of the nostrils are less hidden than Weir or sill scars.  I perform a modification of this technique in which the scars are slightly inside the nostril to be better concealed, but it is technically more difficult.  In some cases, the nostril may be able to be thinned through a Weir incision, but again it is harder to do.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Sadly, these techniques are of limited value and effectiveness. Scars are visible and unpredictable and the degree of thining is limited. As a rule,  if you only see illustrations and no actual patient photos be leary. Dr. B

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our practice, we do not recommend nostril wall thickness reduction because it will leave a scarred and unnatural look. There is no cartilage in this area, it is all soft tissue skin and fat.

Changing the nostril wall thickness. What do these nostril wall excisions in the diagram accomplish? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty to reduce nostril wall thickness the

Answer: Rhinoplasty to reduce nostril wall thickness the

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Changing the nostril wall thickness. What do these nostril wall excisions in the diagram accomplish? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Rhinoplasty to reduce nostril wall thickness the

Answer: Rhinoplasty to reduce nostril wall thickness the

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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