Cut-off Nostrils Following a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)
One of the ugliest things that I see with a traditional rhinoplasty, or traditional nose job, are cut-off nostrils.  A nostril should naturally taper and curve onto the face with a shelf like portion on the upper lip known as the nasal sill, like a window sill.  When this sill is missing, the nose looks simply weird.  Think of Michael Jackson but also even Janet Jackson.  There is this pinched look that is not natural in appearance.  How do you fix this problem?  The problem is that you really cannot.  When I do an alar-base reduction (removing a wedge of tissue to make the nose smaller) I leave a small flap so that when the nostril is brought in the sill is preserved.  This is an important thing to do if you want to maintain a natural appearance to the nose.

Sam M. Lam, MD, FACS is a board certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas. To schedule a consultation please call 972.312.8105. To Learn more about Dr Lams’ rhinoplasty nose job procedures or to ask Dr Lam a question please visit his nose job forum.