Is Alar Base Reduction a Good Option for my 2nd Rhinoplasty?

Question

I am not entirely happy with my first rhinoplasty. My nose is not as straight in profile as I would like and the septum is unnecessarily protruded. In addition, I want to have a more contoured, well defined bridge and a square tip as opposed to rounded ( A. Jolie being a perfect example). Most importantly, for this look to work I have to have my nasal base reduced as I think the nostrills are too far flung. Do you think alar base reduction is a wise option given all the other work that I need?

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Overall you have a nice result and I would be very hesitant to advise you to have further surgery. You do not need alar base reduction. You do have a little alar retraction and could consider having the rims lowered as a very conservative touch up.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Your protruding septum has caused a hanging columella which can be lifted. I don't think you need an alar base reduction, but a picture of base of your nose (with your chin elevated) would be helpful.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm not sure about an alar base reduction but from the photos, you do appear to have some increased columellar show that could be addressed with a columellar tuck.

Is Alar Base Reduction a Good Option for my 2nd Rhinoplasty?

Answers (3)