Will alar rim graft correct my nostrils? I want round nostrils.

Question

I'm bothered by the soft triangle nostrils and would like to make it round. How can this be corrected? Picture on left is current, right is what i want.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question and thank you for providing photos. 
I think the best option for you would be composite grafts. This is skin and cartilage taken from the ear and placed just on the inside of the nostrils to bring the alar rim down slightly. Fortunately, this is less involved than a full rhinoplasty and may be something for you to consider.
Hope this helps and best of luck!Kyle Kimura, MD

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Yes- alar rim grafts would help achieve that result.

..................................... for char count

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photographs are very limited.  I will need side view photos as well as a view from below looking up to the nose to give a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If your goal is to lower your nostril margins at the soft tissue triangles, microdroplet Silikon-1000 nasal injections is a safe and permanent alternative to rhinoplasty surgery. Additionally, with Silikon-1000, there is never a risk of necrosis, embolus, blindness, stroke, biofilm, or infection. Thank you so much for this question, and I hope it helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Alar notching can be improved by using alar rim grafts. It works well but there is a risk of asymmetry and also thicker rim. Before you decide to get the surgery keep all these factors in mind. You do not want your nostrils to look worst, which is always a risk.
Regards
Dr. Janjua

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

You're on spot that you need alar rim or alar grafting of some type, but not only, you are candidate for a comprehensive asian rhinoplasty surgery, correction of boxy tip, verticalized lateral cruras, short septum, dorsum to be discussed, lack of tip support/length, shortness of nasal length, etc.

Seek the advice of a surgeon with experience in structure rhinoplasties and ethnic noses.

Seek the advice of a surgeon with experience in structure rhinoplasties and ethnic noses.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on the photographs, maneuvers for your surgery would include tensioning of the tip, tip derotation, placement of extended alar contour grafts, among other maneuvers. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Justin Buro, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Concerns about nostril shape and the soft triangle area are more common than you might think and are a frequent reason patients seek rhinoplasty consultation. Based on the photos you shared, an alar rim graft could help by adding support to the nostril rim, but on its own it would not create the full rounded nostril shape you’re hoping for. 
Alar rim grafts are typically used to strengthen weak cartilage and prevent alar collapse when breathing deeply. To correct the soft triangle depression and achieve a smoother, rounder nostril, more comprehensive techniques are usually needed. In your case, the best option would likely be an open rhinoplasty, using maneuvers such as tip deprojection, lateral crural steal, and alar contour grafting, among others. These techniques work together to reshape the nasal tip and nostril margins for a more balanced and natural appearance. 
Even though the issue may look subtle, the correction is not as simple as placing a single graft. For the best results, I recommend consulting with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate your anatomy in detail and customize a surgical plan to meet your goals. 
I hope this helps clarify your options. Best of luck!
Justin Buro, M.D.

Will alar rim graft correct my nostrils? I want round nostrils.

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Weird marks or lines when I smile post-rhinoplasty - how can I fix this? (Photos)

Can reducing the columella help with nostril asymmetry?

Rhinoplasty and co2 laser - which procedure should be performed first and how long should I wait in between?

Rhinoplasty and pregnancy - recommended time to wait after procedure?

Slimmer nose, fix small upper lip and heavily hooded eyes - what procedure do you recommend? (Photos)

Bulbous tip and wide nose - Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS