Is alarplasty a dying trend? (photo)

Question

My doctor says he won't do alar base reduction because "it causes too much extreme scarring." I am disappointed. I really want my nose less wide. It's one of the main things that bothers me. He offered to do a suture pinch from inside the upper lip area but I understand this is minimally effective and prone to failure anyway. Why bother if it won't last? Is alar base reduction a bad choice? Should I find another doctor or go with his logic?

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not agree that it causes "extreme scarring".  If designed and executed properly, the scars are typically very hard to see.  They can be dermabraded if needed as well.  It is still a common maneuver performed with rhinoplasty.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Alarplasty is alive and well and is a powerful tool in appropriate candidates.Select a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds 
of rhinoplasties each year, has great reviews, and has great before and 
after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

As other rhinoplasty surgeons have stated, alar plasty or nostril narrowing is not a dying procedure. However, it's not appropriate for all patients considering rhinoplasty. Yes, problematic scarring is a potential risk, but normally a relatively low risk. A comprehensive evaluation in-person is required. Speak with a specialist to help determine appropriate options for you. Best,Dr. Chaboki

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Alarplasty is a challenging procedure but it is very rewarding as well. Many surgeons can be reluctant to do it for their own reasons but if done properly it works very well and the scarring can be barely visible. RegardsDr. JDisclaimer:
This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute
for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’
education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for
further evaluation of your individual case.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Alar reduction is more commonly done today than ten or twenty years ago. When the right technique is chosen and well done, the scarring is very minimal. The key is to have the right technique done for your type of alar flaring problem.

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

kpeton, I've been doing nothing but faces for over 25 years and that includes a whole bunch of noses. I recently reviewed the  last ten years of noses and found that I did secondary alar rim surgery in about 8% of my patients. the scar has not been as issuue for my patients. See a facial plastic specialist. Good luck!!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

An alar plasty is a very common procedure performed in rhinoplasty today. It is only performed when patients have wide nostrils. The incisions for  an alar plasty in our practice are either located completely inside the nostrils, or just barely come out of the nostril rim at the sill.. When performed meticulously this incision is  minimally undetectable.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Unfortunately a significant portion of surgeons offering rhinoplasty may be great at facelifts or breast augmentation but do not do enough noses to understand the nuances or they may do plenty but not with finesse or understanding of current literature and trends.  I think you have not found the right surgeon.  Yes, alar reduction does create a scar but it can be a barely noticeable scar if executed properly.  The reduction in alar width should offset the creation of a new scar and the procedure is a good one IF true reduction of the nostril width is beneficial.  If the nostrils are barely wide then it does not make sense to make an incision and a scar.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Alar base reduction can be performed successfully and can be tailored to the patient.it would be nice to see other views of your nose. Consult with other rhinoplasty surgeons in your area who can evaluate your nose with expertise.

William J. Welsh, MD (retired) · Answer

As long as the right technique is used and the operation is done correctly you will get good results.

Is alarplasty a dying trend? (photo)

Answers (11)

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