Does alar base reduction bring the nostrils down?

You are based reduction is, simply put, nostril narrowing. Techniques for alarplasty are used in those people with a wide appearance to their nostrils and to the lower 1/3 of their nose on front view. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Alar base reduction, if not performed precisely, can alter the appearance and structure of the nostrils. In some cases, it may create the impression that the nostrils are more sunken or widened if too much tissue is removed or if the closure technique doesn’t adequately support the structure. This happens because the alar base supports part of the shape and contour of the nostrils, and reducing it without proper balance can create a less natural appearance.
An excessive nasal sill (the visible area between the alar wings and the nasal tip) can also influence how the alar wings are perceived. If the sill is too prominent or wide, it can create the impression that the alar wing expands or becomes distorted, and it may also give a stretched appearance to the nostril, especially when smiling or making facial expressions.

Alar base reduction can serve two potential purposes. It can reduce alar flare and it can narrow alar base width (narrowing the nasal sill). Alar rim retraction is addressed with tip cartilage repositioning, alar rim grafting, and in severe cases, alar rim composite grafting (skin and cartilage composite from the ear).

Depending of the presented problem, there are at least three different types of allar and nose base reduction. In general it creates smaller nostril, oblique or vertically oriented and, if needed, may involve adequate reduction of nostril sill. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Hello and thank you for your question. Nostril exposure is very complex. Sometimes alar base reduction alone can actually worsen alar notching and alar retraction. This should usually be done in coordination with tensioning the tip and placement of extended alar contour grafts to avoid problems. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

No, alar base reduction simply narrows in nostrils, that's it. The incision is placed right at the nostril sill. It's impossible to raise or lower the insertion of the nostril rim.

Alar base reduction primarily narrows the width of the nostrils but can also slightly bring the nostrils down, reducing both horizontal and vertical flaring. Excessive nasal sill can cause the alar wings to expand wider and stretch the nostril openings more. Addressing the nasal sill during surgery can help reduce nostril width and reshape the nostrils for a more balanced appearance.

The degree of manipulation of the nostrils is limited, and usually they are moved in a medial direction only.
The type of question you pause doesn’t really have a single correct answer.
There are a number of variables involved and what may work in one person may not work for someone else.
The nostrils can be moved slightly, and most of the potential movement is medial.
Consult with plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD