After Rhinoplasty, Nostrils Appear to Spread Across Face when Smiling - Alar Base Reduction Help?

Question

I had a septorhinoplasty for a crooked nose and to reduce the width of bridge and tip. While I'm OK with how I look in repose, I dislike my nose when I smile. While I always had (v. asymmetric, by the way) nostrils that spread wide, somehow the shape of my old nose hid this. Now, with a smaller less defined tip, i have this big fat blob that lies flat and wide when smiling. Can something that can be done? Alar reduction? Is this tough? I just want an improvement, not pinched nostrils.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear JellyZ,

	-There can be some something done, and it depends on what the nose looks like

	-Alar reductions are not tough, they can be done under local anesthetic in the office

	-A consultation would be able to tell you whether more more would need to be done

	-You can try bringing your nostrils in and smiling to test out what a reduction would look like

	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Michael R. Menachof, MD · Answer

It's hard to say for sure without photos, but it does sound like alar base reductions would be helpful. Importantly, they can be done using only a local anaesthetic in the office. I recommend you return to your surgeon and let him or her know your concerns. They should be able to help with this. Good luck.

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After Rhinoplasty, Nostrils Appear to Spread Across Face when Smiling - Alar Base Reduction Help?

Answers (2)

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