My Left Nostril Has Sunk in (And Has Scarring on the Inside) After Rhinoplasty. What Would Be the Best Way to Fix This? (photo)

Question

Its been 7+ months after my rhinoplasty procedure. I started to see a "sunken in" or dented look on my left nostril as the swelling started to reduce. It hasn't improved with time. There is also scarring on the inside of this nostril where the incision was made which makes my left nostril a lot smaller. What would be best method to fix this? Fillers or cartilage graft? What are the pros and cons of both? Is "cartilage graft" a simple procedure? How much swelling will I have?

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

I think the best thing to do is wait the five more months to complete a year. The only definitive treatment is to place an alar batten graft to add support to the ala. I wold not use any fillers there, as they do not work.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

The depression of your left ala due to a previous rhinoplasty will need to be revised with a cartilage graft placed in order to correct this. Fillers will not work. See a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for best results.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The photo appears to show evidence of Supra-alar pinching, most likely related to the amount of cartilage removed from the lateral portion of the alar cartilage.  When excess cartilage is removed, the skin-soft tissue envelope "shrinks wraps" over the remaining cartilaginous structure.  When there is a deficiency of cartilage, a "pinched" look ensues.  As noted by Dr. Bustillo, cartilage grafting is usually necessary to correct this problem and one year is generally the best time to consider revision.  Fillers are contraindicated for this problem.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The lower cartilage might have been too thin to support the nostril and had bent in or collapsed. After you have fully healed, the nostril can be supported with a cartilage graft. A filler is not going to work.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Cartilage grafts are the best way to correct the nostril collapse. Fillers are not appropriate because you probably have some breathing obstruction which can be reduced or eliminated with surgery.

My Left Nostril Has Sunk in (And Has Scarring on the Inside) After Rhinoplasty. What Would Be the Best Way to Fix This? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Nostril bent in after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril bent in after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Collapse after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Collapse after Rhinoplasty

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My Left Nostril Has Sunk in (And Has Scarring on the Inside) After Rhinoplasty. What Would Be the Best Way to Fix This? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Nostril bent in after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril bent in after rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Collapse after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril Collapse after Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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