Would an Alarplasty Help to Reduce a Nose That Overwidens Upon Smiling?

Question

I've heard that an alarplasty could help with nostrils that overwiden when smiling, but would the result actually be noticeable? To the extent that it looks normal? My thinking is that if a small section of the nostril is removed from each side and then reattached to the same spot, that spot will still shift to the same place when smiling meaning a nose that is still the same width when animated. Am I getting this wrong? How common of an issue is this and how high should my expectations be?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Alar plasty will not reduce a nose that over widens upon smiling. All noses get wider when you smile.  Alar plasty is to narrow the nostril sil when you're not smiling.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

An alarplasty or an alar base narrowing procedure will narrow the nose at rest and, by extension, in animation as well. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

All noses will widen with smiling this has to do with the normal anatomy and the muscle pull with animation.  Sorry.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The alar platy procedure is performed for patient's at rest, not smiling.  There are many different techniques of alar-plasty, and each procedure must be customized to the  patient's anatomy.

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would suggest you get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon. Without a consult it is difficult to say whether a procedure is meant for you. That being said, Taking a small ellipse from the alar will typically correct your concerns very nicely. It is commonly performed for just that reason.

Would an Alarplasty Help to Reduce a Nose That Overwidens Upon Smiling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar plasty for wide nostrils

Answer: Alar plasty for wide nostrils

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Alarplasty

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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Would an Alarplasty Help to Reduce a Nose That Overwidens Upon Smiling?

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar plasty for wide nostrils

Answer: Alar plasty for wide nostrils

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Alarplasty

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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.