Can articulating alar rim and columella grafts be removed after placed during nose straightening? (Photo)

Question

Congenial offset nose straightened, 6mo PO. Articulating alar rim and columella grafts make nose pointy and stiff +show through skin. Can articulating rim grafts be removed? If so will there be scaring even with taping since skin was stretched or collapse? If columella graft is removed will tip be like before or more droopy due to scar retraction? Surgeon is comfortable w/ revision at six months removing alar grafts and having option during surgery to remove columella or place smaller strut.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Philosophical,

Yes you can remove grafts, although I would leave the columellar strut in place.  Your nose healed straight and you do not want to jeopardize that result by removing and replacing a graft.  The nose will soften over time if you are patient.  The best part of the firmer nose is that it will not droop over time, nor when you smile.  If the grafts are visible through the skin, you can shave them down to avoid visibility.  I would not mess with your nose too much, especially since it looks so nice

Best
Dr Nima

Can articulating alar rim and columella grafts be removed after placed during nose straightening? (Photo)

Answers (1)