Alar retraction correction
lowers retracted nostril wings
so the nostrils are not visible.

SEHYUN PLASTIC SURGERY

Alar Rim Lowering · Nostril Correction

NOSTRIL CORRECTION

SEHYUN PLASTIC SURGERY

Rhinoplasty · Nostril Correction

SEHYUN ANSWER

Is it hard to see results
from alar rim lowering?

Sehyun's answer is NO

For nostril surgery, Dr. Yoo Hyun-seok comprehensively evaluates the development of the alar tissue,
the position and size of the columella, nostril size, whether a "dragon nose" shape is present, the desired tip height and other factors
to plan surgery tailored to each patient.

Most surgeons rarely perform alar rim lowering.
This is because rhinoplasty for Korean patients often involves raising and lengthening the nose.

As a result, rhinoplasty uses up a lot of cartilage,
and there may not be enough left for alar rim lowering.
On top of that, because it has not been given much importance until now,
surgeons may not be familiar with a proper nostril surgery technique.

SEHYUN AESTHETIC CLINIC

What Is Alar Retraction?

Alar retraction correction is also called alar rim lowering.
A hanging columella or drooping alae can be visually mistaken for alar retraction or make alar retraction look worse.
When the nostrils are large and the alae underdeveloped, a distinctive form of alar retraction (the so-called “dragon nose”) appears.

If the nostril wings are raised so that the nostrils are exposed when seen from the front,
or if you want to correct a nostril shape you don't like, alar rim lowering may be considered based on diagnosis.

※ Nostril = the opening of the nose
※ Columella = the pillar between the two nostrils
※ Alae = the nostril wings on both sides

SEHYUN AESTHETIC CLINIC

When Alar Rim Lowering Is Needed

  • 01When the distance between the long axis of the nostril (B) and the alar rim (A) is 2 mm or more
  • 02When the highest point of the alar rim
    lies above its normal position on the horizontal line
    ½ of the way between the tip's apex and the junction of the nasal tip and columella

Causes of Alar Retraction

Congenital causes

Underdeveloped alar cartilage

Malpositioned alar cartilage

Underdeveloped soft tissue of the alae

Acquired causes

Excessive removal of alar cartilage during rhinoplasty

Alar cartilage drawn toward the center when repositioned during rhinoplasty

The septum extended too far when correcting a short nose

Types of Alar Retraction

Alar retraction type 1 (medial)

This type is commonly caused by scar contracture after surgery. From the front, the inner part of the nostril is raised, often giving the nostril a triangular appearance.

Alar retraction type 2 (central)

The center of the nostril is raised, creating what is commonly called a "dragon nose." The surgeon must take care, as improper correction can make the tip bulkier.

Alar retraction type 3 (lateral)

The outer part of the nostril is raised, usually for congenital reasons. This is the most difficult type and requires accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.

WHY

Why Nostril Surgery at Sehyun Offers Stable Results

Nostril surgery involves many factors to consider,
and accurate diagnosis must come first to plan an effective surgery.

Patients who come to us for revision because they are unhappy with the results of nostril surgery
usually had their surgery planned based solely on the degree of retraction.

Correcting a retracted ala is not achieved with a single outstanding technique.
Good results can be expected only when the cause of retraction, the shape and position of the ala, the nostrils, the columella and other factors are considered
and the right surgical method is planned.

SEHYUN AESTHETIC CLINIC

What to Consider for Successful Nostril Surgery

01

Position of the highest point of the alar rim from the front

The surgical method differs depending on whether it is closer to the center or toward the outside.

02

How developed (firm) the alar tissue is

This is important in deciding on a composite graft of skin and cartilage.

03

Shape of the arch of the retracted alar rim

We determine whether the arch is sharp or gentle.

04

Position and Size of the Columella

We consider the length and width of the columella, the position of the highest point of the retracted ala and other factors.

05

Nostril size

We determine whether the nostrils are an appropriate size and whether they have a “dragon nose” shape.

06

Height and angle of the tip

How much to raise the tip is considered together with the overall shape of the nose.

07

For short, upturned noses

If an upturned nose is corrected improperly, alar retraction can become worse, so proper surgical planning is needed.

08

For revision surgery

We need to determine whether the problem was caused by improper alar cartilage surgery.
Photos from before the first surgery help with this.

SEHYUN AESTHETIC CLINIC

Dr. Yoo Hyun-seok's Surgical Methods

When the nostril rim has been pulled upward, various methods can be used to correct the retracted nostril depending on the degree and location.
In such cases, cartilage repositioning alone can bring improvement, and using
cartilage grafts or composite grafts (grafting cartilage and skin together) along the alar rim widens the range of correction.

Alar rim lowering using alar cartilage repositioning

Alar rim cartilage graft

Alar rim lowering using tip cartilage repositioning with lateral crural support

Alar cartilage reinforcement graft

CASE

CASE 1

When the nostrils are pointed

Ear or septal cartilage is used to lower the sharply raised part and reduce nostril exposure.

CASE 2

When the nostrils are large and flared

Excess skin and subcutaneous tissue are removed
and the incision is carefully sutured to minimize scarring

Q&A

Q.I've heard alar rim lowering makes the nasal tip bulbous. Is that true?
A.

None of the methods we use make the tip bulbous.
However, in recent years quite a few surgeons have performed alar rim lowering with a method called alar extension grafting. Because this method places large pieces of ear cartilage over both alar cartilages, it tends to make the tip noticeably bulbous.

In other words, other methods do not noticeably increase the bulk of the tip.

Q.Could the shape of my nasal tip change, or could the tip turn up again over time?
A.

When correcting alar retraction, we consider many factors, including the cause in each patient, the shape and position of the alae, the nostrils and the columella,
and plan surgery accordingly so the shape is maintained over time.

Q.Where can I see alar rim lowering reviews?
A.

You can find actual surgery reviews in the Real Surgery Reviews list for Rhinoplasty under the Before & After menu. Log in to your member account to view full reviews and photos.

The amount of nostril exposure can appear different depending on facial expression and camera angle, so it is a good idea to keep this in mind when viewing photos. In the early stage after surgery, swelling or tightness can make the shape look unnatural, so also check how long after surgery each photo was taken, and keep in mind that recovery and results vary from person to person.

SEHYUN AESTHETIC CLINIC

Sehyun's surgical results are backed by
Dr. Yoo Hyun-seok's 20+ years of experience as a physician.

Performing rhinoplasty for 20 years or more means treating a truly wide range of cases.
One patient came to us for a 7th revision after other clinics said surgery would be difficult,
and others came to us with recurring problems after a clinic had used rib cartilage for what was only their 2nd revision.

I don't believe any case is impossible.
Some cases, however, need more research and careful thought.
For stable, consistent results, Sehyun keeps researching and studying every day, and performs each surgery carefully based on a plan.

SEHYUN CONSULTING

Online Consultation with Dr. Yoo Hyun-seokReal Surgery Reviews

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ONLINE COUNSEL

Please use Online Consultation to tell us which area you would like to discuss and provide your contact details, or call us at 02-540-4077.

SEHYUN CS CENTER

02-540-4077

Whenever you call, we will be glad to help you.

Clinic Hours

Weekdays

AM　10 : 00　~　PM　06 : 00

Saturday

AM　10 : 00　~　PM　04 : 00

Closed on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays.

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Directions

4F Medical Bank Bldg., 12 Apgujeong-ro 36-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

5-minute walk from Apgujeong Station Exit 2 (Line 3)

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