When I smile my nostrils pull up too high on the sides. I would simply like them to pull to the side, not up. I am aware that a surgeon can cut the depressor septi muscle to stop the base from pulling down, but my base stays the same, just the nostrils pull up. Is there a muscle that can be cut to stop the nostrils from pulling up when smiling? Or is there a type of graft that can be put into place that will allow the nostrils to spread to the side when smiling, but will stop them from pulling up?
Answers (2)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Cartilage grafts can be removed from the nose when necessary. There are usually dissected off of the underlying portion of the skin and then removed.
The graft can warp, but swelling can always play a factor at this early time. If you found a reputable surgeon, I would trust the judgment of the surgeon. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
The question is not how many times but what was done and how it was done. What is the present condition of the nose and the skin. This has to be evaluated individually for each person. See experienced surgeons and get more than one opinion.
