What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

I have noticed that in some rhinoplasty patients, the nostril opening changes from round to triangular, making the nose look very unnatural and operated (please see pics). This seems to happen more in thick-skinned ethnic noses such as asian or african american noses but sometimes in caucasian noses as well. Is this due to trip refinement or alarplasty or something else? How can it be avoided? And if it does occur, can it be fixed? Thank you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

There are certainly technical issues that can produce this appearance.  There is only a certain amount of alar base reduction that can be achieved before nostril distortion can be an issue.  Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

You are correct. Rhinoplasty with sculpting the lower lateral cartilages, elevation of the tip with a septal graft, elevation of the caudal septum, and a alarplasty can create a triangular appearance to the alar rims. It may be more noticeable in noses that are originally wide in the alar base like african american noses, asian noses, and non-caucasian noses. However, it is seen in caucasians as well.Consult a Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBest wishes

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Interesting question. Basically, it has to do with the anatomy of the lower lateral alar cartilages and the nostril rim... Best to seek in person explanations of the effect of rolling a triangular shape to an oval one-simple 3-D geometry.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

The notching that appears after some rhinoplasty is the result of over resection of the lower lateral cartilages or movement of the lower lateral cartilages medially and upward. This deformity can be corrected with repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages or placement of cartilage graft for added support or both.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

With a lot of tip refinement/projection in thicker skinned noses, notching of the soft tissue triangle (what you call the triangular nostril) can occur due to an inherent tissue deficiency and scar contracture in an unsupported area of the nostril rim. This can be lessened by the placement of alar rim grafts or crushed cartilage grafts during closure in that area.

What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty?

Answer: What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Preventing Alar Notching in Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Preventing Alar Notching in Ethnic Rhinoplasty

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What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty?

Answer: What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty?

Answer: Preventing Alar Notching in Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Preventing Alar Notching in Ethnic Rhinoplasty

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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.