Supra-alar crease swollen? (Photo)

Question

I have no had any surgeries or major nose trauma. My nose for some reason in this area is swollen on the outside and inside of the nostril, which is making it difficult to breath. It is very tender to the touch, and has visible red irritation. It hard to tell from the picture, but it is red on both sides.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo. Unfortunately, it is difficult to diagnose with a photo on the internet. If you have trouble breathing this could be fixed with surgery by a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

If you believe the shape of your nose is making it hard to breathe, then it's reasonable to explore surgery as an option with an ENT surgeon or plastic surgeon near you.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, it is difficult to determine what is going on.  How long has the irritation been present?  Was your breathing normal before this?   I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Your tip and supra-tip area are wide. This area can be narrowed and refined so it is proportional with the rest of your nose. This picture does not show the reason for your nasal breathing obstruction. You need an examination by a rhinoplasty surgeon for an evaluation and discussion of treatment options.

Supra-alar crease swollen? (Photo)

Answers (4)