What Causes Triangle Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery for treating breathing disorders and nasal deformities. Most patients are satisfied with the results, however, complications such as tissue manipulation or swelling can lead to uneven nostrils.

Understanding the causes of triangular nostrils is essential for prevention. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes triangle nostrils after rhinoplasty and its prevention and treatments.

What Are Triangle Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

Triangle-shaped nostrils also known as, ‘soft triangle deformities’, are nostril shapes that appear excessively triangular following rhinoplasty. If the soft tissue surrounding the nostrils results in notching, retraction, or asymmetry, it creates a triangle nose.

The soft triangular tissue is the apex region of a nostril, where there is no subcutaneous tissue between two layers of dermis and they’re in direct contact with each other.

Any defects in this area lead to cosmetic concerns and the nose fails to create a balanced look with other facial features.

What Causes Triangle Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

Triangle nostrils occur for various reasons after rhinoplasty. The most common causes include:

Lower Cartilage Over-Resection

Lower lateral cartilage has an impact on the nostril shape. If your surgeon excessively trimmed down the cartilage it results in pinched and triangle-shaped nostrils.

Alar Notching

Alar notching is the process where, due to lack of proper alar support, alar rims are retracted and form a triangle nose after rhinoplasty. Alar rims define the structure of nostrils. If the excessive alar rim is removed without using grafts, alar rim retraction occurs which gives a triangle nose.

Contraction of Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is formed during the healing process after rhinoplasty. If a large scar tissue contracts around the nostrils, it pulls the cartilage and skin inwards. It changes the natural nostril shape and results in uneven nostrils post-rhinoplasty.

Excessive Tip Rotation

If the nasal tip is projected far or rotated excessively, it disrupts the nostril shape and helps it form a triangular shape.

Individual Healing Process

Healing process varies from person to person. Some people may experience excess fibrosis during healing while others may have excessive skin contraction. These healing complications post rhinoplasty leads to altered nostril shape.

Suture Techniques

Various stitching methods are used to reshape the nasal tip after rhinoplasty. Nostrils experience an upward force due to these stitching methods that give a slit-like triangle nose.

Narrowed Nasal Tip

Rhinoplasty that aims to narrow down the nasal tip may result in excessive inward folding of sidewalls, which causes triangle nostrils after rhinoplasty.

How To Prevent Triangle Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

To prevent triangle nostrils and other complications after rhinoplasty, follow these tips:

1. Choose a skilled surgeon who addresses functional and cosmetic concerns during surgery.
2. Don’t remove the nasal cartilage excessively to maintain the nose structure for support.
3. Use alar rim grafts to maintain the nostril shapes and prevent alar rim retraction.
4. Follow the post-operative care tips provided by your surgeon to reduce the scar tissue.

When To Be Concerned About Triangle Shaped Nostrils?

Mild uneven nostrils mostly heal by themselves with time, so there is no need to worry about them. However, seek medical help if you see the following signs:

• Breathing difficulty or nasal blockage.
• The nose structure becomes more asymmetric with time.
• Uneven nostrils persist longer than a year.
• Scar tissue becomes extreme.
• Infections appear in the surgical nose.

How To Correct Triangle Nostrils After Rhinoplasty?

Triangle nostrils after rhinoplasty can be corrected using the following methods:

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision Rhinoplasty is a secondary surgery performed to handle and correct complications from the initial surgery. It requires more expertise, however, it is the best way to correct nasal deformities and triangle nostrils after rhinoplasty.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are used to temporarily add volume to the skin. Using them can make the nostril shape look balanced with other facial features. However, fillers aren’t a permanent solution to your problem.

Cartilage Autografts

Cartilage grafts taken from the ear, rib, or septum are transplanted to the nose. They improve nasal breathing and help rebuild nostril shapes.