Nostril reduction through the mouth?

I consulted a doctor a week ago for an ethnic Rhinoplasty (I am African american). He told me he reduces nostril going through the mouth (in front of my front teeth, through my gums..I believe he uses a string technique). I would like to have information on this procedure. I never heard of it. Is it good for African American noses? Thank you.

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6 answers to “Nostril reduction through the mouth?”

A: Nostril reduction through mouth is not recommended

William Portuese, MD

Nostril reduction, or alarplasty, is performed through an incision at the alar base. It is called an alar base reduction. Using a bunching suture through the mouth will only bunch up skin and can make the upper lip look puckered. It is not a good idea to have that done. If the string breaks the nostrils... more

A: It depends on how wide the nose is.

Toby G. Mayer, MD

 This works with some noses. However, if the nostrils are very wide, you will need removal of some of the skin in the floor of the nostrils. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does a large number of Afro-American noses: and does them well!

A: Nostril reduction through the mouth?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Dear Mahalia, The procedure you describe does NOT reduce the size of the nostrils as much as it reduced the flare (the base of the arch). It involves going through the mouth and stitching the base of EACH nostril with a stitch which is then tightened and tied when the right amount of nostril narrowing was... more

A: Can reduce the width of the nostrils through the inside of the mouth

John Diaz, MD

Your surgeon is referring to a technique whereby a stitch is placed across the base of the nose. This is done through the tissues which are between your nose and the inside of the mouth. The idea is that this stitch will hold things together and make the base of the nose appear more narrow. There are some... more

A: Alar base cinch suture

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Placing a suture across the base of the nostrils is a technique to help bring in the width of the base of the nose.  I assume that this is what was described to you by your surgeon.  The other method to reduce nostril flaring and width is to remove a wedge of tissue from the nostril sill and... more

A: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

John M. Hilinski, MD

Your surgeon may be referring to a technique that involves placement of a permanent suture horizontally across the base of the nose. The intention is to bring the nostril base closer together. The incision is made under the upper lip and through the gums because of the relatively direct access this affords. It... more

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