Ask a doctor

What should i expect? (alar base reduction) (Photo)

I spoke with a surgeon and I am considering scheduling surgery .. Whats going to be done is set an internal excision  in order to remove 2mm on each side. I'm nervous because I dont know what to expect. i dont want a result that would be noticeable to friends, or anyone noticing. Is this possible? Because sometimes the surgeon wants results and end up doing too much. I do not mind continuing with the broad nose, just wanted a small reduction.

Doctor Answers 5

Balanced outcome

April 5th, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I do believe that removing 2 to 3 mm on each side is the best way to go.Removing too much on the other hand can cause Your nose to look unnatural and unbalanced with its overall size. Remember that you can always remove more if necessary down the road but it is extremely hard to enlarge your nostrils in case too much tissue has been. Make sure that you're treated by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Good luck!
Vartan Mardirossian, MD


Jupiter Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 31 reviews

What should i expect? (alar base reduction)

April 2nd, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I usually remove 4 mm and sometimes much more for this procedure to give the result the patient wants.

Find a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of rhinoplasties. Look for great reviews and great before and after pictures.

Kenneth Hughes, MD

Los Angeles, CA

Web reference: http://www.hughesplasticsurgery.com/Rhinoplasty.php

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 439 reviews

Alar Base Reduction

April 1st, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Alar base reduction is effecting in achieving a natural appearing yet slimmer nostril width.  However, removing 2mm on each side probably won't give you much of a noticeable difference.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can help you achieve the results you seek. 3-D computer imaging will also help you visualize what you might look like afterwards and/or provide a good tool for communicating with your surgeon what type of results you seek.

Web reference: http://www.kimberlyleemd.com/procedures2/alarbasereduction/

Kimberly Lee, MD

Kimberly Lee, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

Alar base reduction

April 1st, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
2 mm of alar base reduction on each side we'll not give an appreciable improvement in the wide nostrils. 3-4 mm would be more appropriate since there is a small amount of skin stretch back. 

Web reference: http://www.seattlefacial.com/photogallery/rhinoplasty_photos24.html

William Portuese, MD

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 125 reviews

Alar base reduction

April 1st, 2014
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
It is difficult to see everything from the limited photo views that you posted.  An exam in person would be helpful. 
Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.