Would alarplasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for or do I need revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

I had a rhinoplasty back in 2015, and at first, I really liked it. Over the years, I find that I'm not happy with the nostrils (base width and thickness overall), and wish it was a bit more elegant and refined. I do feel like I could use some overall structure and tip work, but I'm afraid to mess with my nose and go too far. My questions are: would an alarplasty be enough and give me the refinement that I'm looking for? Or do I need to get a revision rhino? Thank you in advance for any advice.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have nostril retraction where your soft tissue triangles look like upside down letter v's. This is associated with excess nostril show on profile view as well. Do not appear to have excessively wide nostrils, so I do not believe alarplasty would benefit you. Depending on your examination, microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections maybe considered for decreasing your nostril show and for creating a less operated nasal tip appearance. Thank you for this question and I hope it helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the proportions of your ala and tip, you're not a great candidate for alarplasty alone. The nostrils would likely lose their natural curvature and would actually result in the tip looking less defined, not more. A minor revision rhinoplasty could enhance the aesthetic of your nasal tip without putting your nose at risk.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Actually your nose looks pretty good. Alarplasty will refine the bottom part of your nose. This should complete your rhinoplasty journey. 
However, alarplasty is an irreversible procedure. Make sure to do your research well before proceeding. 
Regards
Dr. J

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The reason it looks like you need alarplasty is because of alar retraction and deep alar-tip grooving. You would be best served with a revision rhinoplasty that focuses on tip aesthetics to reposition and reinforce the cartilaginous tip complex with placement of alar rim grafts.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Based on these photographs, you have a great looking nose and you do not need a revision rhinoplasty. If the width of your nostrils bother you, then an Alar plasty can accomplish narrowing them. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia an outpatient procedure which takes about 30 minutes.

Would alarplasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for or do I need revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar plasty is not the answer

Answer: Alar plasty is not the answer

Answer: Would an alar-plasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for

Answer: Would an alar-plasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for

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Would alarplasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for or do I need revision rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar plasty is not the answer

Answer: Alar plasty is not the answer

Answer: Would an alar-plasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for

Answer: Would an alar-plasty give me the refinement that I'm looking for

Browse related questions

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.