Would an alar base reduction suffice? (Photo)

Question

I like everything about my nose except the nostril area. I went for one consultation and the doctor suggested a full-on rhinoplasty which lift up the tip and the bridge to make my nostrils appear smaller. However, I don't like the idea of having foreign objects(for lack of better words) under my skin. Would it be possible to make it look better without any implant? Is alar base reduction a viable option? If so, what is the average price for it, and what are the chance of visible scarring?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

A rhinoplasty specialist will be able to comprehensively address the issues you have with your nose. 
Alar base modification is an effective way to reduce the flare and/or width of the nostrils.  Showing us a base view (photo from bottom up looking up into your nostrils) is the best view to evaluate your nostrils.  Excess width can be reduced with sill incisions, excess flare with Weir incisions, and excess flare + width addressed with a combined Weir+sill incision.
Consult with 2-3 of these surgeons in person and determine your comfort level with their approach, demeanor, and before and after results. Good luck @asianrhinoplasty

Edwin Kwon, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not exactly clear form the photos whether your alar base is particularly wide.  The appropriate width should be the same as the distance between the inner corners of your eyes.  With that being said, you may actually benefit from a rhinoplasty in which the tip can be refined with slight increase in projection and derotation of the tip.  This can be achieved utilizing your native cartilage (either septum/ear/rib depending on the amount needed) so that you can avoid any foreign objects in your body.  Also by raising the tip, this will give your nose a narrower appearance and even without changing your alar width, as it will transform your nasal tip from a trapezoid to a triangular shape.

Jag Chana, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

In my opinion an alar base reduction performed carefully as a wedge would flatten the alar flare. This can be performed without excising any part of the nostril sil which can narrow the nostril airway ( i.e the inlet for the air ). In my opinion only proceed with what you feel unhappy about. Performing a full on rhinoplasty augmentation with grafts is a major undertaking and if you do not want this do not be persuaded to do so.There are some videos on my Instagram account @mrjagchana which you can find by scrolling down.

Tuan A. Tran, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questions and photos.
As always, an in-office or virtual examination is needed to fully evaluate your options. You actually already have a nicely proportional nose. In order to reduce the flare of your nasal alae, alar base reduction alone would not suffice as this would hinder your breathing pathway. The best approach in this case is Asian rhinoplasty. This procedure would raise the bridge and nose tip to give the appearance of narrower nostrils. The nasal architecture would be built from septal or ear cartilage grafts that become a living part of the nose after recovery. This method is effective and safe as it significantly reduces the chance of complications in comparison with synthetic grafts. For more in-depth information, please contact our office or consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has extensive experience performing Asian rhinoplasty to discuss your goals. Best of luck from Tran Plastic Surgery!

Hakan Gundogan, MD · Answer

Hi user151032,
I hope you are well during these difficult times.
  
Thank you for sharing your images and concerns. After carefully assessing them, I must state that you will experience breathing problems if you wish to only have alar base reduction procedure. It should be combined with a Rhinoplasty procedure. Therefore, if you only want to change the shape of your nostrils, I will not recommend that you undergo an operation.
  
Please keep in mind that it is highly important to have a physical consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your wishes and options more in depth. 
  
I hope this helps.

Would an alar base reduction suffice? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Asian Rhinoplasty

Answer: Asian Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Would an alar base reduction suffice? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Asian Rhinoplasty

Answer: Asian Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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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.