What kind of procedure should I get to overall reduce the width of my nose? (photos)

Question

I'm not too concerned about the projection of my nose, but more so the roundness of the nostrils and the wide alar base. Would an alar base reduction suffice or would I have to get a complete rhino to reduce bridge width too?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The flare and width of the nostrils may be reduced with alar base modification. There is an important relationship between the proportion of the width of the nostrils relative to the width of the tip, and if the nostril width is reduced without addressing the width of the tip - it will appear even more bulbous in comparison. If you want the best idea of what is possible for your nose, do your due diligence, find an experienced surgeon, and have him/her evaluate you in person and discuss your options. Looking at computer-morphed images with your surgeon during consultation will give you a good idea of what is possible, and also give you a great chance to convey to your surgeon what you envision. #drdonyoo

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, your rhinoplasty type should be within wide a category of ethnic rhinoplasty; goal would be to reduce width, nasal base (nostrils), and refine tip shape and projection. This will require consultation with a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, board certified plastic or ENT surgeon. Good luck.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

In general, a good physical exam is necessary to determine all aspects of the nasal anatomy prior to determining the best course of action. When one undergoes rhinoplasty, a maneuver to change one aspect may have other unintended consequences. For example, if one undergoes Alar base with reduction, this can make the tip and the upper part of the nose appear more broad. Two narrow the upper part of the nose, often a technique called in fracture is used too thin that part of the nose. There are many techniques used for the tip to make it thinner including tip sutures, cartilage grafts and such. These are all topics that you will hear about during an evaluation by a rhinoplasty surgeon. Given the photographs, my opinion would be not to do just an Alar base reduction.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Narrowing the nose during rhinoplasty: in the pictures you present your nose appears to be wide in the bridge, in the tip, and at the alar base. Typically all three of these areas would be addressed. However if a patient chooses to address just the alar bases, or just the alar bases and the tip, leaving the bridge alone, that can be done if the surgeon agrees to it.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. As a board certified plastic surgeon who sees concerns like yours daily, I would advise you to consider the nose as a whole unit and not just focus on one specific characteristic. When appropriate, I employ a technique when performing rhinoplasty surgery that reduces the width of the nostrils, but it might be a good idea in your case to consider the role of your nasal bridge so that harmony exists between the different parts of your nose. Also, when the width is reduced, it often can decrease the projection of the nose, so you might need some attention paid to the tip to surgically improve, or at least maintain, your projection. These are very detailed and personal decisions to consider. I recommend that you consult in person with a board certified plastic surgeon who has decades of experience with rhinoplasty surgery to discuss your concerns and to determine what would be best for you.

What kind of procedure should I get to overall reduce the width of my nose? (photos)

Answers (5)

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