Do I Need Alar Base Reduction?

Surgeons evaluate the width of the nostrils by drawing an imaginary line down from the inner corners of the eyes. If the nostrils overlap this line, then we consider reduction of the alar width. Although you blacked out your eyes on the frontal view, it does appear that your nostrils are of normal width. Another view that would be helpful is a view of your nose from the base (with the tip of your nose pointed up towards the ceiling). This view allows us to evaluate nostril symmetry. The photos you sent do show a bulbous tip and a dorsal hump, which would certainly improve with hump reduction and tip refinement.

It is very difficult to give you a definitive answer judging from only a few pictures without a formal consultation, however, it does not seem that you would need an alar base reduction if you were considering rhinoplasty.

In general, alar base reduction is used to narrow the width of the base of the nose, to reduce the size of the nostrils, or to decrease nostril flare. As a guideline, the ideal width for the nasal base should be equal to the distance between the inner most part of the eyes (between the medial canthi). If you drop a straight line straight down from the inner most portion of the eyes, the alar base ideally should not extend past this line.

In you, that does not seem to be the case.

The other reason to do an alar base reduction is that sometimes, if the nose is deprojected (shortened) significantly, it can cause the nostril to flare. Again, it is difficult to judge, however, it does not seem that your nose would need to be shortened significantly.

I hope that helps to answer your question.

Best wishes,

-Dr. Asaria

No - based on your photos it appears that you do not have excessive flare of the nostrils nor should you develop this through significant deprojection

ducktales-

 

In general, if your nasal base is too wide, it will be out of proportion to your face.  In your photo you supplied, it does not look like your nose is wide in proportion to your face.  Of course, it's best if you're seen in person by a plastic surgeon, but your photos don't really indicate a nose that's wide in comparison to the rest of your nose or face.

 

Best Wishes,

Roy

Alar base reduction is for wide nostrils. Your width is fine and you only need the tip and bridge refined,

I completely agree with the panel.  I would also note that you have a very specific request, and it is good to get perspective and feedback from discussions.

However, if you move forward with a procedure, I would recommend that you make your first priority the choosing of the best surgeon/artist with the greatest track record for rhinoplasty.  THEN, discuss specifics of what would work best for your expectations, anatomy, and goals.  Best of Luck!

A wide nasal base can be treated with an alar base reduction in rhinoplasty or nose jobs.  Based on the single photograph you provided, I believe you would benefit from refining he bulbous nature of your nasal tip, but it appears your nasal base is within normal limits.  I would leave this alone.  Good luck.

In short: definitely not! Your alar width is very appropriate. Narrowing this surgically as part of your rhinoplasty would lead to an unusual and done appearance.

Alar base reduction is only necessary when wide nostrils are present.  The incisions are placed at the nostril sill and a small wedge of tissue, usually 3-5 mm, is removed from either the nostril sill, or the alar base or both, depending upon the issues.  This will narrow the base of the nose quite nicely and is only used for patients with a very wide nostril base.  

No. I would not narrow the base. This would not look natural and could inhibit your ability to breath