How can I reduce nostril flare or size?

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!

5 answers to “How can I reduce nostril flare or size?”

A: Flaring nostrils can be difficult to treat

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Reducing Nostril Flare Creates Dramatic Results

By C. Spencer Cochran, MD - Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Reducing flaring nostrils

By Jacob D. Steiger, MD - Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Alarplasty

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

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.

A: sure

By Shervin Naderi, MD - Virginia Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more