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Alarplasty for High and Flared Nostrils?

I have a decent bridge but I have very flared nostrils and they are high as well. I want my nostils to be greatly reduced and the bridge narrowed a little bit, like Janet Jackson's nose. But the doctor told me this is impossible, and the results I want would be mininimal at best. Can I get this type of nose through Alarplasty with the one I have?

Asked 29 months ago by shyvixx in new york
Sort 11 expert answers by:
+2

No you cannot.

 You will need not only an alar reduction but also a lowering of your high nostrils as well. The nose can be narrowed at the same time. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who has done many ethnic noses.
Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Alarplasty alone not recommended for this case

 If an alarplasty is performed on the flaring nostrils that are shown in the picture, this will result in higher flare and will look unnatural. It is not advised to do so.
William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Nasal problems are always unique

Although I am not sure you can have a nose as narrow as Janet Jackson, you should certainly be able to accomplish your goals. An alarplasty alone just wont get you there. You would need a comprehensive Rhinoplasty and a good amount of patience to achieve that sort of look. The pro and cons of your nose towards your goals are: Pros: You have medium thickness skin, which will over time allow for definition and narrowing. If your skin was overly thick, then you often do not get as much as you... more
Richard W. Westreich, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rhinoplasty (nose job) for low bridge and wide, high, and flared nostrils

The nose type and appearance you are requesting may require a complex procedure at significant expense. The heighten the bridge you will require a graft (ear or rib) or less preferably an implant. The nasal tip will have to be built up to match the new bridge as well, This may require grafts from the septum or ear. The ala (nostrils) will likely require an alar base reduction as well as a graft along the lining to bring them down and reduce the high rims. This may also need to be obtained... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

The height of your nostrils may be lowered with a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty.

I read your questions, and saw your frontal photo. Although you may require surgery to address all of your concerns, you could consider a non-surgical approach with Injectable Fillers to lower the height of your nostrils. This could lead to less nostril show. I don't find your bridge to be too wide. I've attached a link to my Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty photos for your perusal. I hope this helps, and best regards.
Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Alarplasty alone will not provide the result that you are seeking

Alarplasty is only one part of nasal reconstruction. It ususally is performed at the end of the surgery. Think of the procedure similar to listening to a symphony. The last part only makes sense after the first parts have been heard. The size, shape and contour of the alae should relate to the rest of the nose and modification of the alae depends on the structural integrity of the dorsum, septum, upper lateral and lower lateral cartilages. Consultation with a board certified surgeon with a... more
Jack A. Friedland, MD
Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+2

Alar reduction by it self will not work for you

Your pictures from the front is helpful but the lateral view is a must for evaluation of the nose. Rhinoplasty with narrowing of the dorsum and tip rhinoplasty and alar reduction will help. I like to do computer imaging for all rhinoplasty and discuss the changes with the patient. There are limitation to the rhinoplasty and result will vary from patient to patient.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+2

Rhinoplasty

Every rhinoplasty has to be tailored for the individual.  Things can be altered, but unlikely to give you the exact result of someone else.  Alar base reductions can be performed can certainly the dorsum can be narrowed.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alar Base Reduction / Alarplasty

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 closed, the nostril narrowing is achieved. It is possible to perform this procedure alone or as part... more
C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alarplasty in Nasal Surgery

Your alae can be reduced and the nostril rims lowered with cartilage grafts. You will not be able to achieve a nose that looks exactly like Janet Jackson's, but sharing this will give your surgeon a clear understanding of what you would like to achieve. With that information he/she can help you establish reasonable expectations. Select a surgeon experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty.
Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
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