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Will Alar Reduction Reduce Nostril Width?

I have had Rhinoplasty 10 years ago. I like my profile, but I still feel self-conscious about the thick width of my nostrils. They really are thick. I understand that the 'alar reduction' will narrow the base, but what about the nostrils? Is it risky because of the scarring? Thank you for your time.

Asked 29 months ago by sashabobo in Saskatchewan, Canada

Tags:

nose nostrils

Yes it is.

Both the width and the thickness can be narrowed. The thickness of the wall of the nostril will show less change than the width of the base.

Doctor's Website

Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Narrowing the nostrils

In reading your question, it appears that your main concern is the thickness of the nostril skin rather than width of the nostrils. Debulking the thickness of a nostirl is actually a more challenging surgical procedure, than narrowing the nostrils. When the nostril skin is too thick, an option would be filleting the nostril along the rim, removing some tissue, and closing the incision. Such procedure carries a relatively high risk of noticeable scaring. Make certain that you can look at... more

Maurice M. Khosh, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alar reduction will narrow base of nose

An alar reduction or alar plasty will narrow the base of the nose but will not thin the actual alar rim itself. This is the fleshy skin part of the nostril that cannot be reduced due to risk of scarring. The width of the actual nostrils can be reduced by removing a small portion of skin of the nostrils attached to the floor of the nose.

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William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Wide, flared, or thick nostrils

Nostril reduction can change the shape or size of the nostrils in several different ways depending on one's goals. For wide nostrils, in which the side to side distance from one nostril base to the other is too much, the width can be reduced. This can be done by removing some of the skin and soft tissue at the floor (lower part) of the nostril and closing the gap with careful suturing. For flared nostrils in which the curvature of the nostrils is too much, removing a wedge (crescent)... more

David W. Kim, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nostril Reduction

Modifications of the alar reduction prcedures can decrease the width of the nostrils to meet the needs of each patient. While there is a risk of scarring, I personally would have the surgery if it is indicated.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty can adjust nostril size and shape safely

There is a lot of emphasis and discussion in nasal shaping or rhinoplasty concerning the shape of the tip of the nose, the nasal hump, or the nasal length. It is harder to find information about correcting the size of the nostril, the height, the width, or heaviness of the ala, the skin and tissue of the outer rim of the nose. Certainly all of these components must be factored in to complete a well balanced attractive nasal shape. Many of the techniques in shaping the nostril are based on... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Reducing the size of you nostrils

Alar reduction is a great procedure, but scarring can occur. Even though the risk is low, it's still a risk. Make sure you look at some before and after photos of what an alar reduction looks like. With good surgical technique, you shouldn't have too many problems with narrowing of the nostrils. Good luck!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Alar reduction

Alar surgery can accomplish different things. It can treat flaring oif the nostrils, wide nostrils as well. You can also have surgery to debul the thickness of the nostrils as well.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Alar reduction and nostril width

Dear Sashabobo, Your question can be interpreted in three different ways. You may be complaining of: 1. the thickness of the nostril skin being too great - Defatting the nostrils to reduce their thickness is not done by many of us because of potential loss of the skin and potential dimpling scarring 2. The distance between the nasal alae being too great - Can be reduced with a permanent suture under the base of the nose pulling the alae together. OR 3. The Nostrils themselves are too large... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Alar Reduction

I assume what you are relating to is the width of the nostrils. They can be reduced with an incision that is based just at the junction of the nostril and the cheek. If you are talking about the thickness of the nostrils itself that is a completely different issue. Posting a photo would help greatly.

Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Reducing the thickness of the nostrils is risky

The width of the nostrils can be nicely improved with alar base reductions using incisions which can be hidden. In order to thin the nostril itself, a cut has to be made on the undersurface of the nostril that may possibly result in a scar that can be noticed. If it doesn't heal correctly, then little asymmetries may be noticed. Be sure to discuss these things with your surgeon and determine if the risks are worth it. I generally try to take as little risk as possible in plastic surgery... more

Andrew Miller, MD

Edison Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alar base reduction can make your nostrils smaller with well-healed scars.

Alar base reduction is when you have several millimeters of the base of your nostrils removed. This leads to smaller nostrils, and the scars typically heal well and are inconspicuous. I hope this helps, and best regards.

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Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alar Base Width

From your statement it sounds like the problem is the thickness of the skin of the ala, even more than the width of the base. It is possible to thin the ala itself with very careful excision of skin. The base can also be narrowed by what are commonly called wedge excisions. Wedge excisions can be designed to reduce the "flare" of the nostrils, or the actual width of the floor of the nose. The results are more subjective than reflective of the actual narrowing, which is often minor.... more

Ira D. Papel, MD

Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

Reducing alar (nostril) thickness

It is difficult to distinguish the width of the nostril rim or the width of the nasal base. I assume you mean the former. In this case an external scar is required and yes it can be visible if looking up at the nose. Generally it does better in individuals with sebaceous (oily) skin.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Nostril Thickness and Alar Base Reduction

If you are concerned about the width of your nostrils, then this will be narrowed with alar base reductions (ABR) and your nostrils will be smaller. I always advise for conservative ABR as this procedure is virtually irreversible. If the thickness of the ala (i.e. side wall of the nostrils) is a concern, then a wedge excision is possible (although this is rarely necessary). This is not part of a standard ABR.

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Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

Thick nostrils and wide nose

It is possible to both decrease the width of the nose and also to reduce the thickness of the nostril wall. It is a fine procedure and has to be done with extreme care. Please be very precise with surgeon as to what exactly do you want done. Better yet get close up photographs of your nose from all angles and point out the changes you desire. Regards Click on the link below to see reduction in the thickness of the nostril margin and narrowing of the nasal base as... more

Tanveer Janjua, MD

Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Yes ... and No

Alar base reduction will reduce the size of your nostrils. This is why it must be undertaken with care. A well performed reduction though should not effect your breathing through your nose or the appearance of your nose. While scarring is a risk, it is generally well hidden and not a concern.