Can an Alar Base Reduction Cause the Upper Lip to Appear Smaller?

Question

Does moving the nostrils inwards result in a lip which is smaller lengthways?

Sean Younai, MD, FACS · Answer

Reducing the size and width of the nostrils can significantly improve of the outcome of a rhinoplasty in people who have flared and wide nostrils. Using an Alar wedge resection technique during rhinoplasty, a small wedge of the nostril is removed and the remaining nostrils are brought in to make the width narrower. this technique of nose surgery does not alter the upper lips.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Quno,

	As a facial plastic surgeon, we do not remove any upper lip skin.  The only skin that is removed is nostril skin.  With that said, your upper lip length will not change.

	Best,

	Nima Shemirani

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction will not affect the upper lip.  It is simply the removal of a small wedge of skin from the base of the nostril and will have no effect on the upper lip.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

As the other surgeons have said, removing some of the nostril sill won't change the length of the upper lip.  However, there may be some optical illusion that could be perceived as a change in upper lip dimensions.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction results is decrease in horizontal width of the nose and has no effect upper lip length.

Can an Alar Base Reduction Cause the Upper Lip to Appear Smaller?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Won't Change Upper Lip Size

Answer: Rhinoplasty Won't Change Upper Lip Size

Answer: No it will not change

Answer: No it will not change

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can an Alar Base Reduction Cause the Upper Lip to Appear Smaller?

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty Won't Change Upper Lip Size

Answer: Rhinoplasty Won't Change Upper Lip Size

Answer: No it will not change

Answer: No it will not change

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.