Can you make my medial footplates thinner and could doing this provide less support for my tip? (Photos)

Question

As my pictures show, I have a thick medial crus footplate and it makes my nostrils look more narrow. I want to reduce this width and have an excision. However, I am scared that if I do this it could affect other parts of the nose, such as the tip projection, or create a droopy tip. Can making this area less wide provide less support for the tip and make it droop? Or could it increase the projection? Will the nostrils move in closer and be more narrow if this area is reduced?

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you seem to have a very narrow nostrils and sharp tip, that needs to be refined. Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery, and tip plasty is its most difficult aspect. The lower lateral cartilage is (LLC) is the primary structure that is responsible for the shape and function of the ala. I have developed a Novel Technique which is called as Superior-Based Transposition Flap to reshape, relocalize and reinforce the LLC as a support material for both internal and external valves with aesthetic corrections, leaving the scroll area untouched. I use suturing techniques to achieve a narrower, refined and aesthetically pleasing tip. Breathing issues can be addressed at the same time.
Comparing to the open rhinoplasty Closed and Atraumatic technique in Rhinoplasty minimizes swelling and bruises; maximizes healing, prevents tissue damage and eliminates a scar on the columella. To find out more please click on the attached link.
  
Best Regards

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it is very likely that reducing or correcting footplates would decrease width of distal columella in your case. It should not affect the projection of the tip if done correctly. In person consultation with an experienced board certified plastic or ENT surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty is suggested. Good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from narrowing your medial crural footplates and adding alar contour grafts.  This will not cause your tip to droop if good technique is used.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Probably it would improve tip support to narrow that area.  We'd likely do that right in the office. If you wanted to increase projection that could also be done at the same time.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to make the  footplates thinner as part of a closed rhinoplasty procedure. A full set of pictures and in-person examination are going to be required to make that determination. Rhinoplasty is a very difficult endeavor,  so choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience

Can you make my medial footplates thinner and could doing this provide less support for my tip? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Sure - this can be done

Answer: Sure - this can be done

Answer: Can you make my medial foot plates thinner with a rhinoplasty?

Answer: Can you make my medial foot plates thinner with a rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Can you make my medial footplates thinner and could doing this provide less support for my tip? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Sure - this can be done

Answer: Sure - this can be done

Answer: Can you make my medial foot plates thinner with a rhinoplasty?

Answer: Can you make my medial foot plates thinner with a rhinoplasty?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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