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How Can I Reduce Nostril Flare or Size?

asked 2 years ago by truckg in California
Latest answer by Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Question viewed 8,572 times
Tags: nostrils

I like the size and shape of my nose, but I do not like how my nostrils flare up even when they are relaxed. I am part Latino, and I understand that nostril flare is common among non-white people. Is it possible to reduce only nostril flare (and leave the rest of the nose alone) during Rhinoplasty? What are special risks associated with this surgery? Is this a major surgery with a lot of downtime? Is it a common surgery? Relatively hard to perform? I've never had any reconstructive facial surgery before. Thank you very much in advance for any information!

7 answers to How Can I Reduce Nostril Flare or Size?

+1

Alarplasty

 Reduction or change in the contour of the nostrils is a relatively frequent procedure  which can be done without a full rhinoplasty. Incisions are placed inconspicuously at the base of the nose. Rarely are they a cosmetic problem after surgery. 
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

The easiest way to reduce nostril-show is often by shortening the septum

The easiest way to reduce nostril-show is often by shortening the septum (the cartilagenous tissue that separates the right side from the left side of the nose). In this way, what is known as a “hanging collumella” is reduced so that the nostril is not so visible. This may occasionally require narrowing the base of the nostrils surgically, as well. Instead of “open rhinoplasty”, these procedures can be performed in a “closed” fashion.
Michael R. Macdonald, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmmacdonald.com

+2

Flaring nostrils can be difficult to treat

Flaring nostrils is a very difficult problem to deal with in the field of rhinoplasty. If there is a lot of notching upwards of the nostril rim, a compound graft of cartilage and skin can be taken from the ear and inserted up on the inside of the nostril to bring the flaring downwards. The wide nostrils can be narrowed with an alarplasty technique. The risks with this surgery are trying to get both nostrils perfectly even, which is difficult to do since there is cartilage and skin... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

Reducing Nostril Flare Creates Dramatic Results

Nostril reduction surgery (called Alarplasty / Alar Base Reduction) is a commonly performed procedure that can narrow the width of the nostril base, decrease the amount of nostril flaring, or decrease the size of the nostrils. How It Is Done: To accomplish narrowing of the nostril base and nostril flaring, an alar base resection is performed by removing a crescent shape wedge of tissue from the nostril wall. The incisions are placed in the crease where the nostril wall meets the cheek. ... more
C. Spencer Cochran, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

+1

Reducing Nostril Flaring

This is commonly done, especially in patients of color, to reduce nostril flaring. It is called Alar Base resection. It is an incision on the outside of the nostril base which usually heals very well. One must be very careful when performing an Alar Base resection to prevent excess scarring and nostril asymmetry.
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reducing flaring nostrils

When treating the nostrils in Rhinoplasty, the size, width, and flare of the nostrils should all be considered. The type of nostril reduction is based upon this. Nostril flare can be reduced without any other changes to the nose. Reducton of alar (nostril) flare can be done in the office under local anesthesia when performed alone. The main risks include uneven nostrils and difficulty breathing. These are problems that can be difficult to corect if they occur. It is important to have... more
Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sure

Hi, Alar reduction or nostril narrowing can be done by itself and is a very minor procedure with very little bruising and swelling or down time. But more importantly, it is the one aspect of a rhinoplasty that does leave a scar. Furthermore, you should do some computer imaging to see how your nose will look with the reduced nostrils just to make sure the tip wont look too big once the nostrils are reduced as they are closely related. Good luck
Shervin Naderi, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

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