Addressing the Retracted Nostril in Revision Rhinoplasty
The concern
Many patients who see Dr. Bared for their revision rhinoplasty procedure have the complaint that they have a retracted nostril or too much nostril show on the profile view. The retracted nostril is a very challenging issue to address in revision rhinoplasty. It can be due to the actual nostril retracting or also a long columella (the central part of the nose). The combination of both these entities leads to the too much nostril show on the profile view. This can be an unattractive finding with the nose and it may lead patients to seek a revision rhinoplasty. The entity of a retracted ala is typically not a concern found in isolation with revision rhinoplasty. It is commonly found along with other findings contributing to what is known as the foreshortened nose. The foreshortened nose is the term for when a combination of factors is seen after a rhinoplasty. These findings can be a scooped or low dorsum, an upturned tip, and excessive columellar show.
The consultation for a revision rhinoplasty
During your consultation for a revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Bared will take a through medical history and listen to your exact concerns about your nose. It also helps if you bring a list of questions to your consult in this way you can ensure that all your questions will be addressed. Prior to meeting with Dr. Bared you will visit one of his patient advisors who will begin to explain to you the process of your potential revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Bared will perform a thorough nasal examination to assess and examine both the outside and inside of your nose. He will then sit with you and review each of your concerns and expectations from a procedure to ensure that the goals are mutual and realistic. During your consultation, you can also expect for Dr. Bared to perform a detailed series of photos of your nose for various angles and with proper lighting.
Computer imaging for revision rhinoplasty
Dr. Bared performs computer imaging on the photos he takes during your consultation to help better communicate the goals from a surgery. Computer imaging for Dr. Bared is not used as a “sales tool” not is it used to give false expectations. Instead it is used solely as another means of communication. Through imaging Dr. Bared can portray to you an idea of the potential results from a surgery and then he can also assess if this meets your expectations and goals. The key to any cosmetic surgery is first performing a procedure that is in the best interest of the patient. Dr. Bared has the best interest in mind for each patient he treats and he tries his best to meet the expectations from a procedure.
Revision rhinoplasty surgery for the retracted nostril
Revision rhinoplasty is the most challenging procedure in cosmetic surgery. The reason for it being so complicated is that the anatomy of the nose under the skin is not normal and scar tissue is present. Great results can be achieved with revision rhinoplasty in the hands of a surgeon who is very experienced and knowledgeable in the specialty. It is a specialty. The surgeon needs to be able to handle the unknown anatomy of the nose in a revision case. The retracted ala is most likely a result of the surgical weakening of the cartilages which make up the nasal tip. These cartilages which make up the nasal tip are referred to as the lower lateral cartilages. In order to adequately address this issue the cartilages need to be reinforced with cartilage grafts. With the use of these grafts the cartilages can then be repositioned to a more natural and less retracted position.
