Is an alarplasty possible to reduce my nostril flare?

Question

Since my double jaw surgery to fix a growth deformity a year and a half ago my nasal base has widened and I dislike the width of my nostrils. It becomes particularly prominent when I smile, but the flaring is also visible at rest. I don't have very large nostrils though. Would an alarplasty be possible on my nose to fix the nasal flare?

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Would an alar plasty be suitable? To make an adequate assessment about the suitability of an alar plasty for you a view of the nostrils from underneath looking up is really necessary. In general if the nostrils are wide and flaring even at rest an alar plasty is often done. If the nostrils appear normal at rest but only flare when smiling, an alar plasty may make the nostrils too thin at rest. But once again a basal view from underneath looking up at the nostrils is important to make an adequate assessment.

Is an alarplasty possible to reduce my nostril flare?

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