Can Alar Base Reduction Be Done Alone?

Yes, alar base reductions can be performed if that is the only presenting problem regarding the rhinoplasty. Cost on alar base reductions are approximately $1,000 and can be done under a local anesthetic.

Nostril reduction surgery (called Alarplasty / Alar Base Reduction) is a procedure that can narrow the width of the nostril base, decrease the amount of nostril flaring, or decrease the size of the nostrils. To accomplish this, the surgeon makes an incision in the crease where the nostril wall meets the cheek. A wedge shaped piece of nostril wall is removed, and when the incision is sewn close, the nostril narrowing is acheived. It is possible to perform this procedure alone or as part of... more

Dear Martha, You ask an interesting question since it's technically possible, but I haven't seen anyone in 10 years of practice that has wide nostrils and nothing else to improve. Wide nostrils usually go along with a wide tip that would benefit from repair at the time of surgery. Alar base resection alone could be performed with local anesthetic in the office, but you may not get the nose of your dreams. Feel free to post / email me a picture, and I'll be happy to let you know my... more

Alar base reduction whether it is internal or external can definitely be done alone. The costs will vary widely based upon where you live and who is doing the procedure. We would do that isolated procedure in the office with local anesthesia with or without a little oral sedation. This keeps the costs down which should be somewhere around $2000-$3000.

Alar base reduction can be done. This can be discussed with your doctor. It can be done as a stand alone procedure and the pros and cons can be discussed. In actuality, alar base reduction done as a separate procedure can be beneficial especially in the setting of doing an open rhinoplasty which can put the vascularity of the nasal tip at risk. The alar base reduction can affect blood flow to the tip if done in conjunction, and hence, waiting to do this several weeks after the open... more

There are actually many different types of alar base reduction, involving the ala, the nostril sill, or both. There is no single procedure with a defined cost. As with any nasal surgery, the entire nose should be considered. The breathing, the appearance, the balance, and the balance with the face are all important. Your costs will also depend on whether you go to sleep for the surgery or do it awake, or under purely local anesthesia.

Alar base reduction can be done alone, however you may find that the nasal tip area and even the whole nose may look out of balance accentuating other areas of the nose. Speak with a board certified plastic surgeon (or several) to get opinions on your particular concerns. It's best to do the right procedure as opposed to choosing one.

Yes and alar base reduction can be done alone or as part of a formal rhinoplasty. It is most commonly done in conjunction with the rhinoplasty but can be done at a later time or even as a stand alone procedure. If done as a stand alone procedure it can easily be done in the office under local anesthesia. This procedure can both narrow the base or the ala and if desired can narrow the nostrils as well. As with any rhinoplasty maneuvers the surgeon should always be aware of the effect this... more

Alar base reduction can be done with or without rhinoplasty. However, in most cases, it is better if it is performed to compliment a rhinoplasty procedure especially in ethnic patients who have more alar flaring. This helps to re-shape the nasal base and put the nose in better proportion with the tip, the dorsum, and the patient’s face.

An alar base reduction can definitely be done alone.  The cost will depend on the facility and anesthesia costs.  However, it will be significantly less than a full rhinoplasty.