Can an alar rim graft be done without undergoing a full rhinoplasty? Can it be done under local anesthesia? (photos)

Question

I got a closed rhino (tip refinement) and alarplasty in Nov, and while I am happy with my results: a) it exacerbated my existing nostril asymmetry slightly & b) I mistakenly expected the alarplasty to reduce my nostril show/ lower rim height in addition to reducing flare. I'd like to improve symmetry and reduce the right side's retraction-- are alar rim grafts offered without a full rhino, and under local? Would you rec unilateral for my wishes? Happy w/ left side but not against slight tweaking

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In our experience, slight adjustments of the nostril margins may be better suited for microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections compared to revision with alar rim grafting. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A simpler approach would be to shorten the lower edge of your septal cartilage. You have a hanging columella which is simple to fix by slicing some cartilage from the lower edge of the septum. Far simpler and more successful than alar rim grafts

Can an alar rim graft be done without undergoing a full rhinoplasty? Can it be done under local anesthesia? (photos)

Answers (2)