Do I have alar rim retraction? Will it go away on its own? (Photo)

Question

I had a primary closed rhinoplasty done about six weeks ago. The dr took out some cartilage from the left side of my nose..I noticed recently that my left nostril looks different from the right side..I was googling and came across alar rim retraction..is that what's happened to my left nostril? Is it possible it will correct itself in time? I've heard it takes 6 months to a year for all the swelling to go away. I'm really hoping it will heal to match the other side..

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

I agree that you have asymmetric nostrils with the left having a notched or retracted appearance.  While you heard correctly that the nose will take up to a year to completely heal, it's very unlikely your retraction will get better.  One of the challenges of rhinoplasty is despite the best efforts of surgeons, your nose may heal and scar in unpredictable way.  Swelling and tip refinement are some common things that will get better with time. However, contracting scarring typically won't reverse itself.  The best advice is to maintain good follow up with your surgeon.  I'm sure he/she will also want to follow your healing.

Devinder S. Mangat, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally six weeks is too early to determine if the slight alar rim retraction you see on the left side is permanent.  There is a lot of swelling in the top of the nose at this point which can distort things.  You need to continue to follow up with your surgeon and if, at a year, there is still retraction then you should consider having it corrected.  Generally alar retraction will occur with excessive cartilage removal and in the photo you submitted it does not look to be the case.

Do I have alar rim retraction? Will it go away on its own? (Photo)

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Do I have alar rim retraction? Will it go away on its own? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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