Would alarplasty make my nose look smaller? (Photo)

Question

I am happy with the shape of my nose but not the size and my nostrils are wide. Would alarplasty make the nose look smaller?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Alar plasty versus rhinoplasty to make the nose look smaller?  It looks like a rhinoplasty to refine the tip as well as decrease projection and correct your hanging columella would be more beneficial. I need to see a full set of photographs to make a better determination or an in person exam.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty to address the size and shape of your nose should help you address your concerns. You have to understand that there is no such thing as the “perfect” nose. As rhinoplasty surgeons, we are able to improve the structure and function of the nose to address specific issues you have with how your nose looks and and how well you can breathe. Perfect symmetry does not exist in nature. Attempts to improve the symmetry of your nose should be aimed at achieving an improvement in your asymmetry to the point where it is no longer very noticeable. If you look carefully enough, you will always be able to find imperfections. The goal is a normal looking nose that is in harmony with the rest of your anatomy.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

An  alar plasty procedure will only make the nostrils narrower, and not have any other effect on the nose. A rhinoplasty procedure can address narrowing and refining the tip, decreasing the projection of the nose, and narrowing the bridge line.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I don't get the sense that your nostrils are that wide or that there is excessive flare. Alar base reduction is great for addressing those two issues. If you feel that you have too much nostril visible or that the tissue between the nostrils hangs down too far then a rhinoplasty can address those issues. At this point I think you would benefit from an in person consultation where you will have a chance to express exactly what bothers you about your nose. Good luck!Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

An alar base reduction can reduce the size of the nostrils; however, if you are looking to decrease the overall size of your nose, an alar base reduction alone usually will not achieve those results.  The best recommendation is to have an in person consultation with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.  3-dimensional computer imaging can help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos and after an examination aided by digital photography, you should become fully informed what is and what is not possible with your nose.  So go on some consultations with experts in your areaDr Corbin

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Legos, Alar plasty will only address the narrowing of the nostrils and reducing your nostrils only without rhinoplasty would not be an aesthetically pleasing look for your nose. Rhinoplasty surgery will address the over projection of the tip and  refining the tip which will bring better balance to your facial features. Consultation with digital imaging will allow you to see the proposed changes to your nose that rhinoplasty surgery would address. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Photos like yours suggest to me that you have an overprojecting tip.  Correcting this as part of a rhinoplasty would probably widen the base of your nose creating the need for alarplasty.  I don't believe that simply performing an alarplasty is in your best interest or would provide noticeable improvement.Seek the opinions of at least one or two Bd Certified plastic surgeons so that you can benefit from a face-to-face consultation.  Best of luck to you.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

A picture of the base of your nose would be helpful.  I cannot determine if narrowing the base of your nose will be beneficial. Your wide asymmetrical tip can be narrowed and refined and the hanging columella lifted. This would definitely make your nose look smaller.

Would alarplasty make my nose look smaller? (Photo)

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