Am I a good candidate for an Alarplasty? (photos)

Question

When I smile my nostrils stretch and flare out a lot. Also, I noticed my nose slants to one side. I've been examined for a deviated septum but was told it is straight. Can it be a collapsed nasal valve? When I breathe my nose feels pinched.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Yes, I think you are a very good candidate for an alarplasty to reduce your bilateral flaring. In your case, you do not need any of the nasal floor excised, but just the alar walls!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you would want an alarplasty to reduce the flare of your nostrils, I think it would work well. However if you are having breathing problems that needs to be addressed as well. You don’t want to make your nostrils smaller if you are already having breathing issues.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Yes you are a candidate for an alarplasty with a rim graft to support the external nasal valve. This might be the reason why when you breathe your nose feels pinched. Good luck!

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Alar plasty versus rhinoplasty versus septorhinoplasty: you do appear to have wide based nostrils. The treatment for this is an alar plasty which is a relatively small and non-invasive procedure, which if done alone, could be done in an office under local anesthesia. Your nose also appears to be slightly long with a slightly downward pointing tip which probably points downward even more when you smile. Those issues are typically addressed in a routine rhinoplasty for which it appears you would be a good candidate. If you have valve collapse on inspiration a septoplasty could be performed combined with grafts  called spreader grafts  to improve the airway, if that is called for.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Thanks for the great photos and questions. Alarplasty or base reduction is a great way to narrow the nose. It's important to maintain symmetry and not over-do it as a pinched result can occur. This procedure can be done in clinic very easily. As for the nasal slant and collapse, that's better addressed with a rhinoplasty. An open procedure allows for full visualization and grafting to obtain a straight result. I would seek consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to learn more. Hope this helps!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If you're having breathing difficulties, you're not a candidate for an alar-plasty since that procedure Will make your breathing problems worse. If your septum is straight, then make sure your turbinates are not enlarged, and make sure that you don't have internal nasal valve collapse.

Am I a good candidate for an Alarplasty? (photos)

Answers (6)

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