Alarplasty only? I want to decrease the width of my nose. (photos)

Question

But I don't want a complicated full open rhinoplasty. I don't want to completely change my nose just a slight change. Am I able to achieve by desired nose picture listed below with an alar plasty only? And should I only consider doctors who have an extensive history with African American rhinoplasty?

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

base reduction may be all that you need to put your nose into better balance with the rest of your face, but you may want to consider computer imaging to see if it might imbalance the various attributes of your nose itself.  Also consider that aggressive nasal narrowing at the alar base may adversely impact your airway, since  frequently beauty may upstage function-so do not forget that at the end of the day you will still want to breath through that stylish new nose.  Great question and good luck to you in your surgical explorations...

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

The other name for the ala is the nostril. Reducing the length of the alla can give some slight thinning appearence to the nose as long as the curve is preserved. Your sill is also extremely wide and thinning this area will give you some thinning look to the nose.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!Thanks for the photos and provided information as well.An alar plasty is the option for your desired nose, and maybe an implant will help to make a beautiful and more defined tip.I recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.Good luck :)

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. An alar base reduction may be appropriate to reduce your nasal flare but of course the procedure will not effect your nasal tip. That said, your tip may appear bigger in relation to your ala. Consult with a BCPS experienced with AA rhinoplasty. Good luck
Best regards 
#drburnett#realself100

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  You could certainly do a subtle nostril narrowing or alarplasty or alar reduction.  All refer to the same procedure.  But narrowing the nostrils can make your tip and the rest of the nose appear wider by changing the proportions! See a surgeon who does relatively accurate computer imaging and see if you like the look before you do the surgery. As a side note your soft tissue and skin is quite thick and even with a complex full rhinoplasty the changes would be subtle and not a whole different nose but if done well you can have a nicer nose.  Consider all options before committing to any surgery.

Alarplasty only? I want to decrease the width of my nose. (photos)

Answers (5)