Nasal sill destroyed during lip lift - Would an alarplasty do any good? (photos)

Question

I had a lip lift almost a year ago and while I love what it did for my philtrum, it destroyed my nasal sill on the right side. Is there anything that can be done to fix this? Would an alarplasty do any good? I am so upset about this!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on this (very remote) photo, it looks that correction of nostril position and nostril sill would bring more symmetry to nasal base and lip. Wait until scar is mature (1 year or so) and discuss corrective  surgery with your surgeon. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query.  It is difficult to say without proper pictures of your face before as well as after, but it seems you have a retracted columella with visible lower lateral cartilage on one side. A reconstruction of this area will certainly help achieve a good aesthetic result.
Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing issues with your nasal sill after your lip lift surgery.

As you may be aware, the 3 most common concerns for patients contemplating liplifts are longevity of the results, scarring and nasal or nostril distortion including pull down and nasal sill deformities.

Coincidentally, I am going to discuss this matter at the upcoming annual AAFPRS Advances in Rhinoplasty & Facial Rejuvenation Meeting in San Diego and how deep tension support (as provided by an OOS upper lip lift) in upper lip lifting is crucial to avoid nasal distorsion and minimize scarring while maximizing the results. It’s also important for a surgeon to resist the tentation to hide the scars in the nose by cutting across the nasal sills.

That being said, based on your photos, it is very difficult to ascertain the detailed characteristics of your problem and only an “in person” consultation would be highly recommended. There are ways to fix this, including an alar-piriform pexy, possibly incorporating an alar base/sill modification. Filler can also help to recreate the curvature of a nasal sill.

Best of luck,

Randal Haworth MD

Nasal sill destroyed during lip lift - Would an alarplasty do any good? (photos)

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Nasal sill destroyed during lip lift - Would an alarplasty do any good? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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