Is it possible to fix torn or stretched alar cartilage in nose, just to the right of nasal tip?

Question

The area just right of the nasal tip that can be seen face-on, has torn. The nasal tip is slightly drooping inwards/downwards now. It appears that the rip has caused the cartilage to drop, and there is now a piece of cartilage sticking out just below the nasal tip (the edge of the cartilage that was part of the alar cartilage before it was torn). The cartilage is easily movable now, and there is a thin indent between the tear and where the cartilage has now fallen. Can this be fixed?

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear betaalpha,

Thank you for your post.  Traumatic injury to the soft lobular tip of
the nose could often involve evulsion or tearing of the alar cartilages.  Whether this is an acute injury, that is an
injury suffered in the past 12 months or a long-term injury, the alar cartilage
can be repaired and the soft tissue framework reestablished.  This is usually done through an open approach
with an incision across the middle skin partition called the columella and the
skin elevated off of the underlying cartilage. 
The cartilage can be directly sutured or bolstered with cartilage graft
harvested from the ear or the septum and then stabilized with internal sutures.

With open structure rhinoplasty suture fixation establishes
shape and ensures long-term stability and longevity.

If there are previous either developmental or traumatic
components to the nose that could be addressed such as the bridge
irregularities, crooked nose, wide components and airway breathing obstructions
these can be corrected at the same time.

When you’re ready to explore these options you should seek
the consultation of rhinoplasty surgeons with many years of experience and with
a computer imaging system that can show you the kinds of results that you
should expect.

I have been performing cosmetic rhinoplasty for over 20 years
having trained in both plastic surgery and ear, nose, throat, head and neck
oncology.  Cosmetic nose surgery is one
of the more common parts of our practice.

I hope this information has been of some assistance and best
of luck.

For more information, please review the link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm sure this can be repaired but I will not offer any suggestions without seeing pictures. Ideally, you should have an examination of your nasal tip.

Is it possible to fix torn or stretched alar cartilage in nose, just to the right of nasal tip?

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Is it possible to fix torn or stretched alar cartilage in nose, just to the right of nasal tip?

Answers (2)

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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.