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POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty Reviews

Nose grafting for alar retraction

ORIGINAL POST

Nose Grafting for Alar Retraction

WORTH IT$1,900
I had a botched rhinoplasty in September 2017 (Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle) and a revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Donald Yoo (Nassif MD) in January 2018. While I do think Dr. Yoo did an amazing job on my nose and I was mostly incredibly happy, he didn't quite bring my right nostril down very much (I had moderate alar retraction). I gave it the year of healing time and it was still way higher than my left nostril. I had a Skype follow up with him and asked what could be done. He said a composite graft from my ear would only give me about 1mm and would be bulky; basically wouldn't be worth it. I took his advice to leave it alone but the more photos I saw of alar retraction being fixed, the more fixated I became on fixing this.
I consulted with Dr. Mascaro as he did an amazing job on my lip lift in August 2018. He very confidently said he could get 2-3mm out of a composite graft. We originally planned to suture it to the outside of the nose (similar to a MOHS procedure), but when he saw me in person he said he could go inside the nose. NO SCAR! :) I didn't expect anything even near this result, so I was crying happy tears on the surgery table when he showed me my nose in the mirror. I finally absolutely LOVE my nose and don't even see that small difference; it's just a normal nose now!
I added a series of photos: before picture, what I wanted (photoshopped by me), results right off the table, and results 2 days later. The photoshopped picture isn't even as good as what Dr. M did! I'm thrilled!
Pain: 1/10 (slight pain in the ear for one day)
Sutures come out at 7 days from the nose and ear

mcm17's provider

Miguel Mascaro, MD

Miguel Mascaro, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 236 Reviews
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Replies (5)

He did an amazing job and I’m so happy for you!! I’m curious to know if this wasn’t something he could have done at the same time as the lip lift? Nevertheless, you look great! You must be soooo relieved that this is finally fixed!
Thank you!! So I was only at 6 months post rhino revision so I wasn’t going to touch my nose at that time. Even if it was at a time I could, I’m not sure he would do both. The lip lift lowers the blood supply during healing so the graft in my nose might not heal/live if both were done simultaneously. I’m so so happy with the results and the fact that there’s like 0 swelling. I totally thought I’d be a swollen mess for weeks/months again. Nothing!
It does look great. @pinkwillow I don't think enough time went by for him to touch the nose initially, September to January sound like too soon (4 months).
I have a question? Did he solely work on the alar base? I have the same problem but one surgeon said he needed to redo my entire nose in order to fix an alar base. Can you give me your input?
Alar base typically refers to narrowing the nose. This was a rim graft and it was the only thing done. I’d get other opinions from doctors as this can be fixed without operating on the entire nose.
Thank you I appreciate your réponse. I am trying to get my crooked nose corrected. I will consult with your doctor.
Your crooked nose is now a coveted nose. I know Dr. M didn’t do the initial rhinoplasty but he used his celebrity status magic (lol) and fixed that nose up to your dream nose. Let’s not forget those lips.... still rocking HOT. YOU GO GIRL! Happy healing hugs and vibes
oh my gosh!! I too have one nostril higher than the other from a mohs procedure 10 yrs ago as a result of retraction during healing. I asked my PS about it when I had a FL and lip lift Sept 2018 and he said it could be "fixed" but would require a lot to go through for a slight improvement so I did not fixate on it although I admit it does bug me because I am 5'6" and although not tall by most standards I do wear heels and feel most people are looking up the length of my face rather than from above whereby the nostril difference is not noticeable. Now I am really interested in talking with Dr. Mascaro about it; I live within a 2 hr drive. Was it done under local sedation and exactly what location of the ear was the graft taken?
Definitely have a consult with him! Yes, it was done under local anesthesia. The graft was taken from inside of my right ear (same side as the retraction so I could sleep on my left side) in the concha area.
I am going to talk with him!!! This was very helpful and you look fabulous by the way!! Thank you!!
Thank you! Good luck!
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