Will Lowering my Alar Rim and Widening the Base Improve my Nose's Aesthetics?

Question

My alar rim has always been retracted, and I hate it. I feel like it throws off my whole nose, making it look stubby, and the tip look as if it is upturned when viewed from the front. I'm a male, and feel like my nose is too feminine. Would you recommend widening the alar base too, in addition to lowering the alar rim? Based on the picture does it look like my expectations are plausible? Finally, How much would the corrections cost? (I live in Vancouver, Canada)

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,

	Based on your comments and review of your photographs, you are a candidate for both lowering of the alar rim and elevating the columella.

	This can be done with some small graft from your nose. The procedure does make a nice difference, if done properly.

	From the limited views, you may not need widening of the ala. More views are needed for precise diagnosis.

	Please be careful and avoid placing filler injection in the nose as it can cause permanent and irreversible changes and damage your tissues.

	Most importantly, please see a Board Certified Rhinoplasty Surgeon with passion for getting the best possible result for you.

	Hope this was helpful.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concern and reviewed your photos. You could have your alar rims lowered with carefully placed Injectable Fillers. My experience and preference of fillers is Silikon-1000 for permanent results. You should consult a board-certified physician experienced in the art of using fillers in your nose.

	All the best from NJ.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

You don't need the base widened. You can achieve what you want by grafting the ala or elevating the columella. The tip can be refined and the bump filed down. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to advise you as to your options. The cost depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon and is usually $8-10,000.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Nasal aesthetics are very personal in nature. Everybody has different artistic and aesthetic goals regarding their nose. Alar retraction is best treated with composite skin grafts (composed of both skin and cartilage) from the ear in order to bring the alar rims downward. In addition to that, the gap between the alar rim and the columella is closed by trimming the caudal end of the septum and the membranes from the internal portion of the nose. This also shortens the nose slightly. The cost for a rhinoplasty ranges from $5,800.00 to $7,000.00 depending upon complexity of the rhinoplasty. This includes the operating room, anesthesia, and facility fee. Feel free to visit our website at seattlefacial.com. You can also do your own computer imaging on our site on the face touchup section.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Lowering the alar rim is difficltl to do and often requires grafting.  As for widening of the nose at the base, that can be done marginally with release of soft tissues around the base.

Will Lowering my Alar Rim and Widening the Base Improve my Nose's Aesthetics?

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Answer: Lowering alar rim and widening base to improve aesthetics of nose

Answer: Lowering alar rim and widening base to improve aesthetics of nose

Answer: Alar rim treatment

Answer: Alar rim treatment

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Will Lowering my Alar Rim and Widening the Base Improve my Nose's Aesthetics?

Answers (8)

Answer: Lowering alar rim and widening base to improve aesthetics of nose

Answer: Lowering alar rim and widening base to improve aesthetics of nose

Answer: Alar rim treatment

Answer: Alar rim treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.