20 years post op and considering a revision - is my alar retraction fixable? (photos)

Question

My nose job was done 20 years ago and now the alar retraction and triangle nostrils bother me, however, a couple of doctors rejected me for revision rhinoplasty because they thought the outcome would not be what I expect. I want to have your opinions, if I could. Thank you Overall I want to have a smaller tip as well.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. It is possible to address your alar retraction during revision rhinoplasty. Your nostrils can also be narrowed and their shape redefined for a symmetrical result that complements the rest of your facial features.

Though your initial surgery was 20 years ago, it’s still important to note that each subsequent nose surgery becomes more complex due to the loss of structural support, scar tissue, and other factors. The requirement of experience, expertise, and artistry cannot be overstated. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to review your surgical history and assess your concerns to determine the best approach.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have post-surgical nostril retraction worse on your left side compared to your right. Depending on your condition, microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections may be considered for nostril lowering on both sides to decrease your amount of nostril show and to improve nostril symmetry. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Alar retraction can be difficult to improve, but actually, what catches my eye is that the tip of your nose is still wide-ish, and it sits low, making the nose look long, especially on that first photo you posted, the three-quarters view.
If the tip is narrowed and elevated, that gives an additional technique through which to lessen the alar retraction, and even if the alar retraction correction is minor, if the nose looks smaller, and perhaps better to you, the remaining retraction is likely to bother you much less.
How *much* to elevate the tip, or narrow the tip, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs -- the tip work, and any work on a nose with a previous rhinoplasty -- require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, it is possible - in the hands of an expert in revision rhinoplasty - that a revision rhinoplasty could address the issues you are experiencing.

Alar retraction and triangular nostrils are common issues that can occur after rhinoplasty, and they may be addressed through revision surgery. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon can evaluate your nose and discuss your goals with you to determine if a revision procedure is appropriate for you.

It is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who has a track record of successful revision procedures, and to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

If you do decide to proceed with revision rhinoplasty, your surgeon may be able to address your desire for a smaller tip during the procedure. However, it is important to discuss this goal with your surgeon during your consultation to ensure that it is feasible and that you have a clear understanding of what can be achieved.

I hope this helps,
Best of luck !

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The Alar retraction that you have on one nostril can be repaired with a composite graft of skin and cartilage harvested from the ear. Removing any further cartilage out of a nasal tip might make the alar retraction worse, so probably best to leave your nasal tip cartilages alone.  A Composite graft from the ear can be done under local and aesthesias an outpatient procedure. General anesthesia would only be required for a full revision rhinoplasty

20 years post op and considering a revision - is my alar retraction fixable? (photos)

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Answer: Alar retraction

Answer: Alar retraction

Answer: 20 years. Considering a revision rhinoplasty

Answer: 20 years. Considering a revision rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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20 years post op and considering a revision - is my alar retraction fixable? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar retraction

Answer: Alar retraction

Answer: 20 years. Considering a revision rhinoplasty

Answer: 20 years. Considering a revision rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.