What are the options if I have a retracted nostril?
Retracted nostrils (alar retraction) may occur from previous rhinoplasty where too much cartilage was removed and may require either an alar rim graft (composed of cartilage only) or a composite graft (composed of cartilage and skin). A rim graft can be harvested from the ear or septum. Dr Rizk does not recommend rib grafts for the rim grafts as they are too stiff. Composite grafts are typically harvested from the ears and will result in a scar in the front portion of the ear but is usually concealed very well.
