Alar Base Reduction to Thin Tip of Nose Alone?

Question

Hello, I am considering alar base reduction, and I was wondering if so much of the ala could be reduced to the extent that the tip of the nose would appear more defined and thinned? I like to think of alar base reduction as less invasive as opposed to other forms of rhinoplasty, and I'd dislike having alar base reduction performed in conjunction with reduction of the tip when it would be unnecessary. Thanks in advance for all of your time and input. -Vanessa

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Vanessa,

	
		An alar base resection usually leaves scars along the sides of the nostrils and will not address your concern
	
		In the end, you want a result that you will love so see a rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss your concerns
	
		He/She can tell you what is possible with different techniques
	
		I would not worry about the invasiveness of the procedure, because it is just a means to an end (we do what we need to do to get the result you want)


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

An alar base reduction will not narrow the tip, and the reduction will round the tip and may make it appear larger.  To narrow the tip, your must narrow the tip.

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

Alar base reduction only narrows the base of the nose and not the tip. In fact, if the tip is not narrowed porportionately then alar base reduction can make the tip look wider. Narrowing nasal tip with a rhinoplasty is relatively easy and does not carry more risks than alar base reduction.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question Vanessa. Alar base reduction is performed at the base of the nostrils as they attach to the upper lip and nasal sil. Reduction of the ala really has no effect on the nasal tip itself. Tip refinement surgery requires modification of the nasal tip cartillages and this would need to be performed as part of a formal Rhinoplasty. Both procedures can be performed together if needed and this allows for recovery from both procedures at the same time.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Reducing the alar base will not narrow the tip of the nose, only the alar base.  The tip and the nostrils are 2 different anatomical subunits of the nose.

Alar Base Reduction to Thin Tip of Nose Alone?

Answers (5)