Am I a good candidate for alar rim lowering? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I’m 34, female. Would I be a good candidate for alar rim lowering using ear or septum cartilage? I’m interested in improving the triangularity of my nose by fixing alar retraction. How much of an improvement would alar rim grafts make?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our experience, one of the best ways to lower retracted nostril margins is with microdroplet Silikon-1000 nasal injections. Additionally, this technique can lead to improved nostril symmetry on both sides without the expense in downtime associated with nasal surgery. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty, I think it is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. In your case, your alar rim retraction can easily be managed with alar rim contour grafts.  I perform this type of surgery in a large portion of my patients. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your nasal columella angle is less than 90 degrees and for a female it should be at 110 degrees. By rotating your tip upward, that may help correct some of the irregularity. Also, one side of the nose is more contracted than the other. It may be possible to correct this with ear cartilage or septal cartilage. You also need the dorsum of the nose straightened.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from placement of extended alar contour grafts during your rhinoplasty to help treat the alar retraction. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Elizabeth A. Blasberg, MD · Answer

Hi there!I took a look at your photos. I think the best option for you would to have composite ear conchal cartilage alar rim grafts for alar rim lowering. The reason I recommend composite grafts (cartilage with skin attached) is because they tend to resorb the least of all alar rim grafts and provide the best outcome. You could achieve an improvement of 2-3 millimeters which would be the ideal alar position. Your right side is slightly more retracted than your left side, so that will have to be accounted for when your surgeon harvests the grafts. Additionally, you should know that the alae will look lower that you would like (overcorrected) for 3-6 months if it has been done correctly. The contraction of the graft (inevitable) will cause some retraction of the alar length after grafting, so if overcorrected, the result should end up being appropriate once your nose has had time to heal and contract. Otherwise, from what I am able to see, your nose has ideal aesthetic proportions! Some surgeons may perform this procedure under sedation in the office, whereas others might recommend anesthesia in the operating room. It would also depend on your preference. Good luck with your facial plastic journey!Elizabeth Blasberg, MD.

Am I a good candidate for alar rim lowering? (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (5)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is it possible to have rhinoplasty (open rhino preferred) and lip surgery (corner lip lift) in the same procedure? (Photo)

Is there any way to fix it without a second rhinoplasty surgery? (Photos)

Can you help with deviation/mid vault indention on my nose? (Photos)

Is it better to undergo revision rhinoplasty now and then do Alma TED?

Can I get rhinoplasty after having Sculptra?

Obstructed/Uneven airflow through nostrils (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS