Latera & suture for post-rhinoplasty nasal valve collapse?

Question

I have nasal valve collapse on one side from my rhinoplasty two years ago that has caused a dent and asymmetry. My surgeon suggested latera implant & sutures as an in office alternative to revision, but made no guarantees. Would latera improve the appearance? I’m afraid I’ll be able to feel/see the implant under my thinner skin. Also, in the case of nasal valve collapse after rhinoplasty, is the patient solely financially responsible for revisions made by the original surgeon?

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thanks for the questions. If you have thin skin, I would definitely avoid Latera. This implant can show-through and create deformity. As for the last question, this can be difficult to answer. In rhinoplasty, like many surgeries, outcomes can't be guaranteed despite our best efforts. That doesn't mean that any potential untoward outcome should be diminished or neglected. I would speak with your surgeon - if you're comfortable doing so - about what can be done and the financial logistics. To improve nasal valve collapse, a revision procedure is better than Latera. Hope this helps!

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although an exam in person is ideal, and without any photographs, I would recommend surgical improvement of your collapsed external/internal nasal valve (as indicated).  Due to your prior rhinoplasty, the cartilage in your septum was likely harvested and so you will likely require MTF (cadaver) cartilage.  The modification of your nasal cartilage can be done with trimming, stitching or grafting.  If your septum is deviated and you have breathing difficulty, a septoplasty may benefit you as well.  Financial responsibility for revisions are dictated by you and your surgeon; my policy, in general, is to not charge a surgeon's fee.

Once all the swelling has resolved (in a year to a year and a half), the next step for you is to pursue the right aesthetic plastic surgeon for your revision rhionplasty.  In your rhinoplasty consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns specifically, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  Also, be sure to see plenty of before-and-after pictures in women who have a similar nose appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome.

After seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Latera & suture for post-rhinoplasty nasal valve collapse?

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Latera & suture for post-rhinoplasty nasal valve collapse?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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