Can my Nostrils Be Lowered or Changed?

Dear Mari: Nostril retraction following rhinoplasty can be repaired. My colleagues have shared many tips for dealing with ala-columella disproportion and there has been discussion involving pushing the nostril margin down as well as pulling the columella back. Based on your photos which are pretty good (thank you), it appears that the issue, as you suggested is that your nostril has retracted. I would recommend either an alar rim graft or a composite graft inside the nostril depending on the cause of the retraction.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Alar retraction can be repaired. Alar rim grafts involve placing a strip of cartilage within the alar rim margin to bring it down slightly. More severe retraction may requiring repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages.

A composite graft to add tissue to the inside of your nostril is sometimes used as well, although I tend to avoid this in my practice as it may result in everting your nostril.

 

I read your concern and reviewed your photos. You appear to have a bit of nostril retraction which is causing excessive nostril-show. A well-performed Injectable Filler procedure may be beneficial for lowering the height of your nostrils. In my practice, I prefer Silikon-1000, an off-label filler for permanent results. I hope this is helpful for you.

Regards from NJ.