Can Alar Base Reduction Be Done Alone?

Question

Can alar base reduction Rhinoplasty be done with no tip or bridge work, just the nostril? if so, what would be the average price for just alar base reduction?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Depending on how severe the problem is and whether or not you require general or local anesthesia, the cost will vary from $2500-4000. It can easily be done under local and you save mmoney.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Nostrils can be narrowed in conjunction with a full rhinoplasty surgery or with a standalone in-office procedure known as an alar base reduction.
The alar base reduction on its own offers a significant cost savings, as it generally takes just an hour to perform in-office and can be done using only a local freezing agent. The drawback, of course, is that only the nostrils can be addressed. During the procedure a small incision is placed at the base of each nostril and a wedge of tissue is excised. The natural continuity of the nasal passageway is still preserved, and the nose appears smaller and more narrow.
The ideal candidate for an alar base reduction is a patient whose sole concern is the width of the nostril opening and who is seeing exaggerated nasal flaring. It’s a great idea to attend a consultation with a specialist who will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you, as well as show you computer imaging that lets you see what these changes might look like.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The management of nasal deformities varies from patient to
patient and depends on a multitude of variables.Each patient has specific aesthetic goals and
unique anatomic findings. It’s important that rhinoplasty surgery create
harmony, balance and proportion.For
these reasons, it’s important that rhinoplasty surgery be tailored to meet the
patients’ specific needs. In some cases this may involve an isolated alar base
reduction. It’s unusual to perform this maneuver as a solitary procedure. In
the majority of cases the procedure is performed as part of a formal
rhinoplasty. When performed alone, it can be easily done under local
anesthesia.If
you’re considering alar base reduction consultation with a board certified
plastic surgeon is appropriate. This surgeon should be able to make an
appropriate recommendation.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

If an Alar Base problem is the only presenting then Alar Base reduction can be performed. This procedure involves excising a section of the Alar Base in elliptical or parallel patterns depending on what is needed to reduce the Alar Base.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction can be done with or without rhinoplasty. However, in most cases, it is better if it is performed to compliment a rhinoplasty procedure especially in ethnic patients who have more alar flaring. This helps to re-shape the nasal base and put the nose in better proportion with the tip, the dorsum, and the patient’s face.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Nostril reduction surgery (called Alarplasty / Alar Base Reduction) is a procedure that can narrow the width of the nostril base, decrease the amount of nostril flaring, or decrease the size of the nostrils.
To accomplish this, the surgeon makes an incision in the crease where the nostril wall meets the cheek. A wedge shaped piece of nostril wall is removed, and when the incision is sewn close, the nostril narrowing is acheived. 
It is possible to perform this procedure alone or as part of a rhinoplasty. It can be performed alone, but keep in mind that in order for the nose to appear natural, it must adhere to certain proportions and also be in balance with the other facial features.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Dear Martha,
You ask an interesting question since it's technically possible, but I haven't seen anyone in 10 years of practice that has wide nostrils and nothing else to improve.
Wide nostrils usually go along with a wide tip that would benefit from repair at the time of surgery. 
Alar base resection alone could be performed with local anesthetic in the office, but you may not get the nose of your dreams.
Feel free to post / email me a picture, and I'll be happy to let you know my thoughts.
Best regards.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction whether it is internal or external can definitely be done alone. The costs will vary widely based upon where you live and who is doing the procedure. We would do that isolated procedure in the office with local anesthesia with or without a little oral sedation. This keeps the costs down which should be somewhere around $2000-$3000.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

There are actually many different types of alar base reduction, involving the ala, the nostril sill, or both.  There is no single procedure with a defined cost.
As with any nasal surgery, the entire nose should be considered.   The breathing, the appearance, the balance, and the balance with the face are all important.
Your costs will also depend on whether you go to sleep for the surgery or do it awake, or under purely local anesthesia.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

An alar base reduction can definitely be done alone.  The cost will depend on the facility and anesthesia costs.  However, it will be significantly less than a full rhinoplasty.

Can Alar Base Reduction Be Done Alone?

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