Jack P. Gunter, MD

The Weir procedure is a specific type of alar width reduction (AWR), however, many surgeons use the words interchangeably.  It can be a very gratifying procedure depending on the problems.  For instance, if the nostrils are small the incision should stay outside the nostril.  If the nostrils are large, going in the nostril with the incisions can make the nostrils smaller.  Also, the way the base of the nostril attaches to the cheek/lip junction makes a difference.  More narrowing can be accomplished if the nostril flares outward before the junction.