Nostril retraction? Is this fixable? (Photo)

Question

I had my nose done over a year ago now in the Uk,,what is bothering me the most though is my nostrils, they are so much more on show now and I don’t understand what was done for that to happen? Nothing was mentioned about my nostrils, nor was I bothered about them before. Could you tell me what was done in surgery for this to now happen and is it fixable? Thank you

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I can see from your photos that you have a bit of nostril retraction after rhinoplasty surgery. If this is the only thing that is bothering you, depending on your examination, your nostril margins may be permanently lowered by injecting microdroplet Silikon-1000. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is possible to fix alar retraction but adding some skin or cartilage to the undersurface of the retracted nostril can add some thickness as well. That can effect the shape to some degree and in some cases make the nose look worst. At this point your nose looks great and taking a chance on improving the alar retraction is risky. 
Regards
Dr. J

Ruslan Zhuravsky, DO · Answer

Hello, Nostril retraction is usually due to lack of support. The cephalic trim technique is most often the culprit. This is done to refine the tip, but if too much is taken without proper stabilization, the nostril retracts. Deprotecting the tip can also contribute to this as it flares the nostril out and sometimes up. It's hard to say the exact reason with just this profile picture and no operative report, but it is fixable. In some cases, a nostril reduction along with a rim graft (placed through the reduction incision) can be used. In other cases, it requires repositioning and supporting the "lateral crural" cartilages. Lastly, it can be corrected by taking a composite graft (skin and cartilage) from the ear, and placing this just inside the nose to lengthen and support. Based on these pictures, you might be able to get away with the relatively "simpler" approach of rim grafts and alar reduction.... but to know for sure, you would need a more thorough consultation.Discuss it with your surgeon first and see their input. If the response is unfavorable, you can get the operative report to help with your consultations. Good Luck!

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Probably when the incision was made, or when it was sewn shut, some tension was put on the nostril edge to pull it up.  Yes, that can be improved by taking some cartilage grafts (rim grafts) to lower the nostrils.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you follow up with your provider who did the operation.To make an accurate assessment regarding the outcome of a plastic surgery procedure, we need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures and have a copy of your operative report.
To me, your rhinoplasty looks quite good.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Nostril retraction? Is this fixable? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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