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.

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17 answers to “Will alar reduction reduce nostril...”

A: Alar reduction will narrow base of nose

William Portuese, MD
By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Narrowing the nostrils

Maurice M. Khosh, MD
By Maurice M. Khosh, MD - New York City Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Nostril Reduction

Richard W. Fleming, MD
By Richard W. Fleming, MD - Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Rhinoplasty can adjust nostril size and shape safely

Peter E. Johnson, MD
By Peter E. Johnson, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Reducing the size of you nostrils

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
By Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD - Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Alar reduction

Steven Wallach, MD
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Will alar reduction reduce nostril width?

Peter A. Aldea, MD
By Peter A. Aldea, MD - Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Wide, flared, or thick nostrils

David W. Kim, MD
By David W. Kim, MD - San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Alar Reduction

Farbod Esmailian, MD
By Farbod Esmailian, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Reducing the thickness of the nostrils is risky

Andrew Miller, MD
By Andrew Miller, MD - New Jersey Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

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