Would alarplasty alone improve my nose profile? Is my nose tip suited for a narrower and "lifted" alar? (Photos)

Question

I have hanging alars and a slightly wider than ideal alar base width, my nose profile is also upturned (could be a result of the former 2 issues). If possible, I prefer not to get any implants and going only for alarplasty (weir or sail or both) Would alarplasty alone fix my problem? While keeping in mind that overall facial harmony is the utmost importance. Are my nose tip suited for a narrower and "lifted" alar? Let me know your thoughts, thank you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I agree that you are a good candidate for alarplasty alone. It’s a short procedure and can even be performed under local anesthesia in about 45 minutes.  I would not recommmend lifting the tip.  Your tip looks fine.

Umang Mehta, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question and photos. I would suggest in-person consultations with 2-3 rhinoplasty specialists, to determine your best course of action. Computer imaging can be really helpful in deciding if the nostril width reduction alone is enough to accomplish your aesthetic goals. Looking at your photos, I’d suspect that a few maneuvers to make your tip more defined (and less upturned) would complement the nostril reduction nicely. You could also consider raising your radix (top of bridge) with a subtle cartilage graft. Best regards,Dr. Mehta

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Improving
the nostril width with an alar base reduction is a frequent request of patients
wanting nasal refinement. It is possible to improve the cosmetic appearance of
the tip alone without altering the rest of the nose in some patients. Whether
the optimal option in your particular situation would be a tip rhinoplasty
alone or an artistically performed natural appearing full rhinoplasty
would best be determined at a consultation. 
Following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes
to tell you exactly what to do based on limited 2 dimensional photos without
examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome,
taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of the
operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you
find a plastic surgeon with extensive nasal surgery experience who is certified
by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon
(otolaryngologist) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla,California

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty in addition to alar base reduction.  This decision will depend on your individual goals of surgery.  Make sure you specifically look at
before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed
by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.
The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about the small hump on your nose, the nostrils cannot control this.  At first glance it appears lifting the root of you nose higher would make a substantial straightening and strengthening of your nasal profile. Find a surgeon who can show you his or her own results in a case similar to you and explain what was done.

Would alarplasty alone improve my nose profile? Is my nose tip suited for a narrower and "lifted" alar? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Alae and profile

Answer: Alae and profile

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Would alarplasty alone improve my nose profile? Is my nose tip suited for a narrower and "lifted" alar? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Alae and profile

Answer: Alae and profile

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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.