Is it possible to reduce the width of my alar base by 1 cm (5mm on each side)?

Great question!  Yes it is possible to reduce the alar base, however what is more important is how that will look on your face.  By narrowing your base this significantly, you will alter the facial proportions and there are certain measurements that need to be adhered for an aesthetic appearance, as reducing too much will not look right.  Best recommendation can be provided with an in person consultation so that a physical examination can be performed.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai

Hello,

Rather than asking these theoretical questions, go on a few consults.  5 mm is a large distance though, and even if it is possible, if doesn't suit you, you'll have a hard time finding a reputable surgeon that would do it so aggressively. 

Best of luck!

Alar base reductions are more complex than just narrowing the base of the nose. They impact nasal proportions and other components of your nose and your face. It is possible to remove 5mm per side in any person. If that is advisable and will give you the result that you desire is the important question. I think you would be served best by seeing an experienced surgeon. Explaining your goals and then letting them offer you surgical options.

An alar base excision is a class of procedures done in conjunction with rhinoplasty to reduce the bulk, flaring and size of the nasal ala and to reduce the width of the nostrils themselves. They are customized for each patient situation, based on careful analysis of patient photographs and discussion with patients about cosmetic goals.

A skilled plastic surgeon will balance the amount of resection of the alar bases with the overall appearance and function.  If your reduction is too aggressive, this can result in distortion of the nostrils or overly narrowed nostrils, a very difficult problem to fix.

A simple answer to this question is yes, it is possible to perform a 1cm reduction. However, as you have already received numerous answers on this subject I will try to make it clear that most surgeons would find that aggressive and which could result in an unforgiving scar that is very hard to reverse.

A full set of photographs of the base of the nose are required to make a determination about how much skin can be removed within an alar-plasty. Patients who have a wide nasal base can accommodate 5 mm of removal of skin on each side. Patients who have a thin nose cannot.

Yes, it is possible and appropriate in some patients to reduce the alar base by that amount and I have done so on occasion to proper patients. 

Thank you for the question and the simple answer without an examination is YES but what might give you the best result will require an examination aided by digital photographyDr Corbin

1 cm (5 mm on each side) is a generous amount. You may look too pinched unless the ala are quite wide objectively, not subjectively. A picture would have helped. The procedure is very straight forward, but it's the nuances that make it challenging to create balance and a natural look.

Talmage Raine MD FACS

drraine.com