Cutting the nose from the inside or outside for Alarplasty?

Question

I am interested in Alarplasty. I have extremely thick skin. But i am afraid of the scarring alarplasty can leave. Is there a difference in results from cutting the nose from the inside verses the outside for alarplasty. I just notice most doctors cut the nose from the outside. Is there a reason so many still cut the nose from the outside instead of the inside? I have oily skin as well and i have read that oily skin makes it even harder for the scar to heal.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Usually an alarplasty remove skin from the side of the nostril and the inside. But three are countless variations depending on the particular situation

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If only a small amount of skin is required to be removed to narrow the nostrils, then inside approach can accomplish your goals. If there's significantly wide nostrils, then an external incision is required. Either way it can be performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure

Cutting the nose from the inside or outside for Alarplasty?

Answers (2)