Do Lateral Crural Struts Always Add Width to the Nose? (photo)

The "parentheses deformity" is very common after a primary rhinoplasty where too much lower lateral cartilage was removed.  The lateral crural strut is designed to reinforce this weak lateral cartilage - thus providing for a better breathing and contour.  I have used both lateral crural struts and alar "batton" graphs to correct this type problem. If the graft is designed properly is should add very little width to your nose.

I would take the graft out of the nose or refine the edges of the tip.  Sometimes, lateral crural struts are necessary.  Sometimes, suturing existing cartilage can add sufficient strength.  This can be
done in closed fashion so that you do not have any visible scars.Find a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties, has great reviews, and has great before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Lower lateral crural strut grafts shouldn't make the nose wider. I would suspect that it should help with the tip pinching you want addressed as it mainly improves the concave contour of the lower lateral crural cartilage. At the same time the grafts should help strength the area to prevent dynamic collapse while breathing.