What causes triangular nostrils after rhinoplasty? (photo)

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.  

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

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