Nostril Reduction Technique Throught the Mouth?

Question

I consulted a doctor a week ago for an ethnic Rhinoplasty (I am African american). He told me he reduces nostril going through the mouth (in front of my front teeth, through my gums..I believe he uses a string technique). I would like to have information on this procedure. I never heard of it. Is it good for African American noses? Thank you.

John Diaz, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is referring to a technique whereby a stitch is placed across the base of the nose. This is done through the tissues which are between your nose and the inside of the mouth.
The idea is that this stitch will hold things together and make the base of the nose appear more narrow.
There are some risks asssociated with this procedure which you should be aware about. One risk is that the stitch can loosen with time and your nose will become more wide again. Another risk is infection. The stitch can get infected. Another risk is for one side to be pulled in more than the other side. This would create an asymmetry. Lastly, if there is an excessive amount of pulling, the base of the nostrils could appear like they are being pinched in.
You should discuss this with your surgeon. Also, make sure your surgeon can show you pictures of his/her results using this technique so you understand what it is going to accomplish.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many ways to narrow the notrils, and this is one of them.  I agree, you want to avoid the overdone nose like MJ had. You need to evaluate the nostrils in the context of your face. Take your picture, print it and draw a line down from the inside of the eyes on each side. If the nostrils fall outside of these lines, they can be considered to be too wide. Next, if they are wide, you need to decide three things: are the openings large or small? Is the fleshy part the reason the nostrils are wide? Or, are the openings large and the fleshy parts large so that BOTH need to be addressed?  Each finding requires a different approach, so be sure to find an experienced surgeon to avoid the overdone look you are cautious to avoid.  Many  aesthetic  plastic  surgeons  feel  rhinoplasty  is  the  most  artistic and diﬃcult cosmetic surgical procedure. I agree. Every change the surgeon makes has three-dimensional aspects that instantly alter other areas of the nose, like the ripple eﬀect from a single stone cast into a quiet pond. As if that wasn&rsquo;t enough, the nose swells during the procedure, obscuring landmarks, and some- times heals unpredictably. A limited number of experts specialize in rhinoplasty, so do your homework. With rhinoplasty, the touch-up rate is a solid 15 percent nationally.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This works with some noses. However, if the nostrils are very wide, you will need removal of some of the skin in the floor of the nostrils. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does a large number of Afro-American noses: and does them well!

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Your surgeon may be referring to a technique that involves placement of a permanent suture horizontally across the base of the nose. The intention is to bring the nostril base closer together. The incision is made under the upper lip and through the gums because of the relatively direct access this affords. It also helps to avoid external incisions. It just happens to be one of many techniques that can be used to narrow a wide nasal base (flared nostrils).

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Nostril reduction, or alarplasty, is performed through an incision at the alar base.  It is called an alar base reduction.  Using a bunching suture through the mouth will only bunch up skin and can make the upper lip look puckered.  It is not a good idea to have that done.  If the string breaks the nostrils will return to their pre-surgery anatomical position.

Nostril Reduction Technique Throught the Mouth?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril reduction through mouth is not recommended

Answer: Nostril reduction through mouth is not recommended

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Nostril Reduction Technique Throught the Mouth?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nostril reduction through mouth is not recommended

Answer: Nostril reduction through mouth is not recommended

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.