Am I A Good Candidate For Alarplasty? I'd Like A Natural Look. (photo)

Question

Hi, im thinking about getting alarplasty. Can you look at my picture and tell me if this procedure will improve the look of my nose. I want the new nose to look natural and fits my face. thanks, carlos

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Since the base of the ala is wide you could remove the outer nostril corners (alarplasty) to correct this. That however will not the rotation of the tip and you will still be looking directly into the nostrils on a frontal view. If that is not an issue for you you do not have to do anything about it. If it is an issue you will need augmentation of the nasal bridge as well.

	I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.

	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Behrooz Torkian, MD · Answer

Hi CZL

	Thank you for posting a picture.  Reduction of the ala can certainly be done with a natural look if your surgeon is conservative and meticulous with the reduction. 

	The incisions are placed in the alar crease, and can be very well hidden,  Remember that the nose needs to be balanced in order to keep it natural, and narrowing of one portion of the nose may require narrowing in other areas to allow the appearance to remain natural.  The best way to proceed is to seek consultation with a Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon with experience in nasal surgery.  The surgeon should be able to show you how your results would look with computerized imaging and before-after pictures of other patients.  

	Good luck - Dr. Torkian

Mitchell F. Grasseschi, MD · Answer

From your photo, it seems you are a candidate for an alarplasty.  You do have an ethnic look; results may look unnatural only because of that.  An in person consultation would examine your personal goals and expectations for the surgery.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Hi. I think you are dealing with two issues here that you need to get straight in your mind so that you have realistic expectations and are not disappointed. You certainly can have your nostril width reduced and when executed carefully it will look good and blend with your face. However you have an ethnic appearance in which a wide nostril base is the natural look. By changing it to narrow it you are automatically introducing a somewhat unnatural look to your face and you need to be aware of that before you proceed. This website is filled with patients who request this and then post regrets and wishes for reversal within a month of their surgery. I cn only believe that occurs because they just don't realize how significant the changes they have asked for are in relation to their natural ethnic appearance.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction is performed for patients with wide nasal bases. This can be combined to treat flare or width or both.  From the photos it looks like you may be a good candidate, but an exam in person is critical.

Am I A Good Candidate For Alarplasty? I'd Like A Natural Look. (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Natural look alarplasty

Answer: Natural look alarplasty

Answer: Alar base treatment

Answer: Alar base treatment

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.

Am I A Good Candidate For Alarplasty? I'd Like A Natural Look. (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Natural look alarplasty

Answer: Natural look alarplasty

Answer: Alar base treatment

Answer: Alar base treatment

Browse related questions

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.