Alarplasty & tip plasty? Or full rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Improving the nostril width and refining a flaring  tip to achieve an improved natural appearing cosmetic result are frequent requests of patients wanting nasal refinement. It is possible to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tip alone without altering the rest of the nose in some patients. Whether the optimal option in your particular situation would be a tip rhinoplasty alone or a full rhinoplasty would best be determined at a consultation. Either procedure can be performed with a closed or open approach.


Following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon with extensive nasal surgery experience who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (ENT) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. 


Robert Singer, MD FACS


La Jolla,California

  A full set of facial photographs are required to make a determination about the appropriate surgical procedure.  The nose is a 3-dimensional structure, therefore a full rhinoplasty is usually required  to make sure all the components of the nose balance with themselves, and the entire new nose balances with the patient's facial features.