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

Question

I'm considering revision rhinoplasty, and a very seasoned revision expert recommended lateral crural struts to help with my valve collapse & pinching. While I would like to fill out the pinching / creases above my nostrils / shield graft edges and improve my breathing, I don't want my nose to be much wider. I've attached pictures of myself smiling - the left is my current nose, the right would be my 'ideal.' Is this achievable, or will lateral crural struts make my nose wider than this?

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

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.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Lateral crural struts add width to the lower third of the nose just above the alar crease where they are placed and will help with valve collapse and pinching.  A shield graft will also help along the dorsal aesthetic line area for added width in that area and help improve breathing.  These also help with breathing.  It is difficult to show what these types of grafts will do on computer imaging since the computer imaging is 1 dimensional and the nose is 3 dimensional.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In general, the lateral crural strut grafts give better support to the lateral crura. It may make the appearance a bit wider and less pinched.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Lateal crural struts and nasal width

Answer: Lateal crural struts and nasal width

Answer: Strut grafts and nasal width

Answer: Strut grafts and nasal width

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Lateal crural struts and nasal width

Answer: Lateal crural struts and nasal width

Answer: Strut grafts and nasal width

Answer: Strut grafts and nasal width

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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