Is 2mm the standard for Alar Base Reduction? (Photo)

Question

I just had an appointment with a doc I really like who did my rhinoplasty five years ago. Ive been happy with the way I look but recently became self conscious again about the overall size. I thought if I narrowed the base then I might stop thinking about my nose everyday again without going into the drastic measure of a second rhinoplasty. He said I would be a good candidate and mentioned reducing the nostrils by 2mm on each side. Is that standard? Is that enough? Thank you!

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Just as no two noses are alike, neither is there a "standard" alar base reduction. Your nose looks pretty good right now, so I'm not really sure why you are obsessing. What? You're NOT obsessing! Well, then, OK, 2mm is a modest reduction that will probably not give you airway obstruction and make you regret the request for more nose shaping.Without actually examining you in person and observing nasal airway dynamics and flow, it is inappropriate for me to say this is not a good idea, but too much alar reduction and you WILL  have airway concerns. Try breathing through two soda straws right now. Put them in your mouth and pinch you nostrils shut. See how you do with this and then extrapolate breathing this way through your nose FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.Maybe 2mm is too much? Discuss in detail with your surgeon. Really!Your nose really does look great! Enjoy good breathing and being beautiful. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The standard is whatever excision will place the attachment of the nostrils to the cheek just inside the inner corner of the eye. 2mm is not unreasonable but the ideal amount will vary from person to person. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Your question is a good one and in some ways it reads as a commentary.  I like the result of your nose.  I suspect other people like the appearance of your nose as well.  On the photo that you have provided your nostrils do not appear to be significantly out of proportion to the nasal tip, and the alar position compared lines up nicely to the position of the medial canthus of your eye.  Having said that, alar base reductions in rhinoplasty can be a very effective means of narrowing a wide nasal base in the proper noses.  I have reduced the alar base in rhinoplasty very small amounts but 2mm may really be pushing the envelope a bit.  If you have confidence in your surgeon then by all means, proceed with the surgery but the enemy of really good is better.

Robert Galiano, MD · Answer

You certainly have a lovely result from your initial rhinoplasty. Alar base reductions can really complement the final result. A 2 mm reduction is certainly an "average" reduction, but keep in mind that this varies among different patients - some ethnic patients require significantly larger reductions and other components reduced as well. If your concern is having overly reduced nostrils I do not think you need to worry.

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

Alar base reductions vary in shape and size from patient to patient depending on the individual situation.Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC, FACS.

Is 2mm the standard for Alar Base Reduction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Alar base reductions are tailored to each patient

Answer: Alar base reductions are tailored to each patient

Answer: Size of alar base reduction in rhinoplasty.

Answer: Size of alar base reduction in rhinoplasty.

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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Is 2mm the standard for Alar Base Reduction? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Alar base reductions are tailored to each patient

Answer: Alar base reductions are tailored to each patient

Answer: Size of alar base reduction in rhinoplasty.

Answer: Size of alar base reduction in rhinoplasty.

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.