Will Alar Cinch Suture Affect Lips?

Question

A doctor said he would like to give me an alar base reduction using sill incisions and an "alar cinch suture".  I understand what sill incisions are, but what is this cinch suture?  I thought sutures where things that were removed after a procedure not a procedure itself.  Oh, and since many nasal surgeries tend to affect the look of the upper lip I'd like to also know if this suture will affect mine.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hey There Delilah,
You need to speak with your surgeon regarding whether his technique will affect your upper lip. 
At your pre-operative visit, you should be asked to sign an informed consent for surgery.  Make sure that you are clear about the risks and complications of your surgery, including any change in the appearance of your lip.
By the way, how is your boy friend?
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Nostril sill reduction through an internal alar incision usually requires removal of either nostril sill tissue, alar tissue, or both.
It could cause a slight change in lip appearance if it were aggressively performed, since the ala is attached to the lip and can move centrally slightly during the procedure.  Usually these changes are very minimal.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

I believe that there are not many rhinoplasty surgoens in the US who would advocate these cinch sutures for alar base reduction. Personally, I only had limited experience with cinch sutures a few years back and I was not very enthusiastic with the longevity and control the procedure provided. 
Cinch sutures are usually permanent (or at least long-lasting) and they are more commonly used by some surgeons in Asia. Their effect on the lips should be minimal and temporary.
I would certainly talk to your surgeon about his personal experience with this techhnique. I would also be interested in seeing some photos 1 year or later after surgery.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It depends on what he means by that and if the suture is permanent or absorbable. Depending on how it is done it can or cannot affect the lips.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

With a wide nasal base, the first line of defense is narrowing the nostrils (alar base reduction). In some cases, the nasal base is too wide and requires a stitch under the skin that will pull the nostril base together. This stitch will most certainly affect your lip and sometimes is only temporary and will not last So don't expect miracles.
Best of Luck.

Marcus L. Peterson, MD · Answer

When you reduce the alar sill with tissue removal  you will reduce the width of the nose.  The alar cinch suture will help maintain the reduction that is obtained and the surgeon can fine tune the other features of the nostril sill and nasal base.  The change to the upper lip will will very little from the suture.  This is a fairly new technique and works very nicely to control the nasal base and ala.
Best Wishes
Dr. Peterson

Will Alar Cinch Suture Affect Lips?

Answers (6)

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