Nostril Reshaping Beverly Hills
Nostril shaping is a very meticulous and exacting procedure that is often necessary for ethnic noses. When the nostril aperture is wide or there is flaring to the nostril base, then nostril shaping by way of reduction is necessary. It is important to not reduce the nostrils excessively, as this can look very awkward and artificial. This can become a “telltale” sign of rhinoplasty. By preserving the curvature of the nostril skin as it meets the cheek and upper lip skin, the results will be natural. If this rule is not applied, then the nostrils can take on a “triangular” or pulled look, which has become the stigma of several notable celebrity nose jobs.
In addition to reducing the nostrils, the smile can improve post-operatively as the nose base does not stretch as much any more. Patients often complain about this, particularly when they have a bulky or flat nose, as is often the case with Asian and African-American noses, or a droopy Middle Eastern nose.
Lastly, nostril shaping can also consist of lowering the nostril rims when too much “nostril show” is present on the front-facing view.
Dr. Ghavami: “None of us want our nostrils to show so much that the person we are speaking to can look into our nose.”
By lowering the nostril rims, this is avoided even if tip elevation and rotation is needed simultaneously.
Nostril notching or “alar retraction” can also be corrected with specialized grafts and support struts to strengthen the nostril rims and position the nostrils. This can be required in primary or in revision rhinoplasty.
It is important to note that perfect nostril symmetry is hard to guarantee and many patients start out with some asymmetry pre-operatively, usually due to how the nostrils attach to the different shaped bony and soft tissue of the cheeks. Beverly Hills rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Ghavami will counsel you on all your options and expectations in nostril shaping and modification.