Female, 39, primary rhinoplasty in 2021. Now I am concerned with alar retraction, asymmetry and columelar over projection. Is the asymmetry very noticeable? What is the least invasive procedure I can do to fix issues and make it more aesthetically pleasing?
Answer: Asymmetry and alar retraction - least invasive way to fix Thank you for your query. The best way to fix alar retraction and the minor asymmetry at this stage, without having to have a full revision, is to have injection of fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers that last for two years in other parts of the face, tend to last a lot longer in the nose. Please discuss this with your surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!
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Answer: Asymmetry and alar retraction - least invasive way to fix Thank you for your query. The best way to fix alar retraction and the minor asymmetry at this stage, without having to have a full revision, is to have injection of fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers that last for two years in other parts of the face, tend to last a lot longer in the nose. Please discuss this with your surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!
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June 21, 2025
Answer: Addressing Alar Retraction and Asymmetry After Rhinoplasty: A Conservative Approach Assuming you're generally happy with the overall outcome of your rhinoplasty in 2021, the alar retraction can be addressed in a relatively conservative way. The right side does appear slightly more retracted than the left. This can typically be improved using alar rim grafts, placed through internal incisions to avoid visible scarring. These grafts help support and restore the contour of the nostril rim, creating better symmetry and a more balanced appearance. -DrB
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June 21, 2025
Answer: Addressing Alar Retraction and Asymmetry After Rhinoplasty: A Conservative Approach Assuming you're generally happy with the overall outcome of your rhinoplasty in 2021, the alar retraction can be addressed in a relatively conservative way. The right side does appear slightly more retracted than the left. This can typically be improved using alar rim grafts, placed through internal incisions to avoid visible scarring. These grafts help support and restore the contour of the nostril rim, creating better symmetry and a more balanced appearance. -DrB
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June 20, 2025
Answer: Alar retraction after rhinoplasty Thank you for the question and the photos. I think the first thing that I notice in the pictures is your alar retraction or "notching" of the nostrils (one side worse than the other). This is something that can be improved through a minimally invasive procedure. This involves getting a piece of cartilage and skin from the ear and placing on the inside of the nostril to lower/decrease the amount of notching. I think this could also help a bit with the appearance of the columella, as I don't think the issue is that this is too low/overprojected, but rather looks that way because of the ala/nostrils. I think your best bet is to schedule a consultation with someone who specializes in rhinoplasty and whom you feel comfortable and confident with. Hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck! Kyle Kimura, MD
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June 20, 2025
Answer: Alar retraction after rhinoplasty Thank you for the question and the photos. I think the first thing that I notice in the pictures is your alar retraction or "notching" of the nostrils (one side worse than the other). This is something that can be improved through a minimally invasive procedure. This involves getting a piece of cartilage and skin from the ear and placing on the inside of the nostril to lower/decrease the amount of notching. I think this could also help a bit with the appearance of the columella, as I don't think the issue is that this is too low/overprojected, but rather looks that way because of the ala/nostrils. I think your best bet is to schedule a consultation with someone who specializes in rhinoplasty and whom you feel comfortable and confident with. Hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck! Kyle Kimura, MD
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June 19, 2025
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty to improve shape... Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for revision rhinoplasty. The tip droop needs to be lifted, which helps columella show. The tip is also too wide, and this can be refined during a revision, while trying to push the nostrils down at the same time. Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty surgeon for consultation.
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June 19, 2025
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty to improve shape... Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for revision rhinoplasty. The tip droop needs to be lifted, which helps columella show. The tip is also too wide, and this can be refined during a revision, while trying to push the nostrils down at the same time. Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty surgeon for consultation.
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June 13, 2025
Answer: Concerned About Alar Retraction and Asymmetry After Primary Rhinoplasty At this stage—several years post-op—it's understandable that you're reassessing your results and noticing details like alar retraction, columellar projection, and asymmetry. These concerns are relatively common after rhinoplasty and can often be improved. Is the asymmetry very noticeable?Photos can help, but even with those, a definitive judgment requires an in-person evaluation. Minor asymmetries are quite common and often not obvious to others. That said, even subtle differences can feel significant to you—and your concern is valid. Least invasive options to improve appearance:Filler (Liquid Rhinoplasty): In some cases, hyaluronic acid fillers can be strategically placed to balance minor asymmetries or camouflage mild alar retraction. However, this is a temporary solution and less effective for structural issues like significant retraction or columellar over-projection. Alar Retraction Correction (Cartilage Grafts): If retraction is more pronounced, composite grafts (typically from ear cartilage or soft tissue) are often used to restore contour. This would require revision surgery but can be tailored to be conservative. Columellar Adjustment: Columellar over-projection is usually corrected with revision rhinoplasty, adjusting cartilage support. A subtle revision focusing only on this area might be possible if the rest of the nose is stable. Since you’re seeking the least invasive approach, a good first step is a consultation with a surgeon experienced in revision rhinoplasty. They can assess whether a nonsurgical option is appropriate or if a limited surgical revision would offer better, lasting results. I hope this helps guide your next steps. A personalized evaluation will provide the clearest path forward. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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June 13, 2025
Answer: Concerned About Alar Retraction and Asymmetry After Primary Rhinoplasty At this stage—several years post-op—it's understandable that you're reassessing your results and noticing details like alar retraction, columellar projection, and asymmetry. These concerns are relatively common after rhinoplasty and can often be improved. Is the asymmetry very noticeable?Photos can help, but even with those, a definitive judgment requires an in-person evaluation. Minor asymmetries are quite common and often not obvious to others. That said, even subtle differences can feel significant to you—and your concern is valid. Least invasive options to improve appearance:Filler (Liquid Rhinoplasty): In some cases, hyaluronic acid fillers can be strategically placed to balance minor asymmetries or camouflage mild alar retraction. However, this is a temporary solution and less effective for structural issues like significant retraction or columellar over-projection. Alar Retraction Correction (Cartilage Grafts): If retraction is more pronounced, composite grafts (typically from ear cartilage or soft tissue) are often used to restore contour. This would require revision surgery but can be tailored to be conservative. Columellar Adjustment: Columellar over-projection is usually corrected with revision rhinoplasty, adjusting cartilage support. A subtle revision focusing only on this area might be possible if the rest of the nose is stable. Since you’re seeking the least invasive approach, a good first step is a consultation with a surgeon experienced in revision rhinoplasty. They can assess whether a nonsurgical option is appropriate or if a limited surgical revision would offer better, lasting results. I hope this helps guide your next steps. A personalized evaluation will provide the clearest path forward. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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