Should I get an alarplasty, rhinoplasty or nothing? Photos)

Question

My nose has been my biggest insecurity, i feel like compared to my eyes and lips, my nose is way to big. It droops down when i smile, and the alas are way too horizontal and big. I have typical south asian nose, and i feel a smaller upturned nose, with a less bulbous tip will make me look more feminine and pretty. Im asking this because i dont know if this is all in my head or do other people see it too? Should i just accept my natural nose, or get a rhinoplasty and get confidence. Is the rhinoplasty going to be worth it or should i just let it be?

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Your concern is understandable, but this is not a situation where I would recommend rushing into surgery just because you feel insecure. The nose should be evaluated in balance with the whole face, especially because you already have nice facial features and the goal should be refinement, not changing your identity.
An alarplasty alone can reduce nostril flare or base width, but it will not correct a drooping tip, bulbous tip, bridge shape, or overall projection. If your concerns include tip drooping when smiling and tip fullness, then a full rhinoplasty or tip rhinoplasty may be more appropriate than isolated alarplasty.
For a South Asian nose, the key is to be conservative. Over-narrowing, over-rotating, or making the nose too small can look unnatural and may affect breathing. A good plan would usually focus on subtle tip refinement, better support so the tip drops less when smiling, and conservative alar base adjustment only if the nostril width truly needs it.
Whether it is “worth it” depends on how much this bothers you and whether your expectations are realistic. Rhinoplasty can improve confidence for the right patient, but it cannot guarantee self-confidence or perfection.
My advice would be to consult a rhinoplasty surgeon experienced with ethnic rhinoplasty. Ask for conservative imaging and discuss whether you need alarplasty alone, tip refinement, or a full rhinoplasty. If you are unsure or feel emotionally pressured, wait. The safest goal is a natural, balanced nose that still looks like you.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can see from your photos you have a drooping tip and a nasal bridge; your skin is thick, but this does not pose an obstacle to surgery. Compared to thin or normal skin, it will take about two years for the nose to fully settle. You are a very suitable candidate for rhinoplasty.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty can be done to refine your tip slightly and also increase the nasal columella angle.  You may benefit from a tip graft to increase the projection.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it is impossible to give you good advice based on these photos; full face, profiles and worm-view photos will help. Based on your description you are very likely candidate for ethnic rhinoplasty. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty, is recommended. Good luck.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Your nose looks great. However if the wide nostrils are bothersome then alarplasty will help. The droopy tip of south east asians is very common feature. Some like it but if you don't like it then a conservative tip plasty to lift it up will make a nice difference. 
If it was my nose I would do a conservative alarplasty and nothing else. 
Regards
Dr. Janjua

Stephen Kleid, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Not many people "need" a Rhinoplasty.But you say you feel insecure about your nose, so you should consider consulting a surgeon face-to-face.Your photos do not show your whole face, (what I can see seems very attractive) - in fact they don't even show your whole nose, so it is difficult to assess what would need to be done, whether it is achievable, and if your expectations are reasonable.Noses can be made smaller, thinner, more petite, and tips can be lifted.Minimal change rhinoplasty can improve the shape, (it doesn't seem that you need major changes) - but Rhinoplasty will not change your life - just your nose.

Should I get an alarplasty, rhinoplasty or nothing? Photos)

Answers (7)

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