Will nasal valve correction make my nose look fat?

Question

I've been told by my doctor that my nasal inner valves are collapsed and he'd be putting some grafts on either side to reconstruct it(while performing rhinoplasty) Would it make my nose look fat? I've never really had any breathing issue,so I think the graft is gona be really tiny...does valve correction make noses look fat generally? Thankyou

Frank J. Ferraro, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is unlikely that your nose would look fat after applying spreader grafts. It can widen the middle area of the nose but that is what is trying to be accomplished. It can improve the airway but done correctly your shape should improve.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

A good rhinoplasty is all about balance of the different parts of the nose. If the middle third of the nose is really thin, then when a bump is taken down, spreader grafts may need to be inserted to maintain some basic structure of this area. If done correctly, the spreader grafts will be designed to fit into the natural shape of the nose from top to bottom so it shouldn't look simply like a "fat" area within the nose. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty specialist.

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

If you're not having breathing difficulties, I'd be skeptical about the diagnosis of nasal valve collapse. Perhaps your surgeon is worried that the rhinoplasty he's planning will possibly compromise the valves and is simply preparing you for the possibility of grafts. Generally speaking, properly sized and placed spreader grafts should keep the nose looking normal while still preserving a good airway. Since you're concerned, though, your surgeon should be able to digitally simulate the frontal view of your nose with spreaders so that you can get a better idea of whether it would be too wide for your tastes.All the best,--David C. Pearson, M.D.Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Feel free to re-ask your question with photos. Spreader grafts have their place in rhinoplasty surgery when dealing with nasal obstruction or a crooked appearance resulting from collapse of your upper lateral cartilage. Hope this helps you.Dr Joseph

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Placement of a small cartilage graft to prop open the nasal valve will have Virtuallyno effect on the external appearance of the nose.

Will nasal valve correction make my nose look fat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Spreader grafts may lead to widening of the middle third of your nose.

Answer: Spreader grafts may lead to widening of the middle third of your nose.

Answer: Correction of breathing obstruction from nasal valve collapse will not affect the appearance of the nose.

Answer: Correction of breathing obstruction from nasal valve collapse will not affect the appearance of the nose.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Will nasal valve correction make my nose look fat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Spreader grafts may lead to widening of the middle third of your nose.

Answer: Spreader grafts may lead to widening of the middle third of your nose.

Answer: Correction of breathing obstruction from nasal valve collapse will not affect the appearance of the nose.

Answer: Correction of breathing obstruction from nasal valve collapse will not affect the appearance of the nose.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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