As the saying goes, "The nose governs wealth and status." A "noble nose" is defined by a high bridge, full nostrils, and a tip that is both pointed and rounded in perfect proportion. Imperfection in any one of these areas can compromise the overall aesthetic. Among these three elements, the nostrils are most prone to appearing overly wide or thick. Consequently, nostril reshaping is a commonly chosen procedure.
Nasal Wing Reshaping Methods:
1. For individuals with wide nasal wings and large nostrils, a cautious approach involves partial excision of the nasal wing base and nostril reduction. The incision is designed at the base of the nasal wing and the lower part of the alar sulcus. Under local anesthesia, a portion of the full-thickness tissue at the nasal wing base is appropriately excised. The tissue is then rotated inward and advanced to reduce the nostril size, followed by layered interrupted suturing.Postoperative scar length typically does not exceed 1 cm.
2. For patients with a wide alar rim, partial excision of the free edge of the alar cartilage is performed. After reshaping, the incision is sutured to the inner surface of the alar cartilage.
3. For cases with small nostrils, excessively thick alae, or overly full upper alar folds, a skin incision is made along the anterior border of the lateral crus of the alar cartilage. The skin is then dissected subcutaneously from the underlying alar cartilage. Excess soft tissue covering the cartilage surface is excised, followed by partial resection of the upper and lateral portions of the alar cartilage.Next, excise a rhombic-shaped vestibular skin and mucosal flap from the inner surface of the alar base within the nostril, removing excess fatty tissue. Finally, suture the incisions at the nostril margin and the inner surface of the alar base.
4. When the alae are not excessively wide, inserting an auxiliary column into the columella and performing cartilage grafting on the nasal tip can elevate the tip and reduce the alar width without requiring additional procedures. The need for alar reduction should be assessed after nasal tip surgery.
Important Note: Post-operative swelling and discomfort are common in the nasal area. Therefore, optimal care is essential after alar reduction surgery. This includes avoiding sleeping on your stomach and preventing contact with chemical substances that could cause infection. In short, avoid any actions that may lead to nasal infection.