What causes notching of the nostrils?

Question

Hello, I was wondering what causes notching of the nostrils ? Is it removing cartilage from the tip? Can a rhinoplasty without changing the tip of the nose cause notching of the nostrils? Thank you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Nostril retraction or notching is one of the many stigmatas of previous rhinoplasty surgery. Repair of a notched nostril does not always require surgery. Many times we can permanently fill in the notched area with microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Notching of the alae can be from a few different thing. Taking too much cartilage or nasal lining. Also placement of stitches improperly inside the nostrils can cause notching.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Alar retraction is caused by poor support of the lateral crus, resulting in over exposure of the nostrils and columella. This is usually caused by over resection of the lower lateral cartilage and over aggressive suturing of the tip. It can be prevented by placing extended alar contour grafts and appropriately tensioning the tip.  I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

What causes notching of the nostrils?

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What causes notching of the nostrils?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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