I had a rhinoplasty 12 years and am now looking to do tip plasty for deviated septum and an alar rim graft for alar rim retraction (tip off center and one nostril lower than the other). Choosing between 2 surgeons - one will do septum correction and silicon injections for nostrils because he considers alar rim grafts too unpredictable. The other surgeon was certain that doing alar rim graft is low risk. Can't find good data - what's your experience with alar rim grafts? 1yr, 5yr, 10yr post op?
May 17, 2019
Answer: Rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts In general, cartilage grafts are one of most reliable grafting material available in reconstructive surgery; using allar cartilage grafts for correction of retracted alla is the most appropriate and predictable way of correction in hands of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Correction with soft tissue fillers, in particular one as unpredictable as silicone, is not reliable and may actually be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. There is no time limit on cartilage grafts; they do not loose volume and in this particular area they will retain the shape for ever. I hope this answers the question which surgeon to trust. Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 17, 2019
Answer: Rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts In general, cartilage grafts are one of most reliable grafting material available in reconstructive surgery; using allar cartilage grafts for correction of retracted alla is the most appropriate and predictable way of correction in hands of an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Correction with soft tissue fillers, in particular one as unpredictable as silicone, is not reliable and may actually be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. There is no time limit on cartilage grafts; they do not loose volume and in this particular area they will retain the shape for ever. I hope this answers the question which surgeon to trust. Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 17, 2019
Answer: How predictable are alar rim grafts? Revision rhinoplasty more difficult than a primary rhinoplasty due to the fact that there have been previous alterations to the normal anatomy, scar tissue present, and thick skin. In our practice, alar retraction is usually treated with a composite graft harvested from the ear. If there's a collapsing of the alar rim with inspiration, then an alar rim graft can be of some benefit. Once the cartilage grafts are placed and live, they last forever. We do not recommend silicone injections in the nose
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 17, 2019
Answer: How predictable are alar rim grafts? Revision rhinoplasty more difficult than a primary rhinoplasty due to the fact that there have been previous alterations to the normal anatomy, scar tissue present, and thick skin. In our practice, alar retraction is usually treated with a composite graft harvested from the ear. If there's a collapsing of the alar rim with inspiration, then an alar rim graft can be of some benefit. Once the cartilage grafts are placed and live, they last forever. We do not recommend silicone injections in the nose
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
