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Which Method of Alar Base Reduction Would You Use on Me?

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delacJun 30, 2012
I already had 2 rhinoplasties (last one 6 months ago) and while I am happy with my profile, the lower front of my nose looks pretty wide for my taste. Do I need a weir excision, excision on the sides of my nostrils or both to reduce the width? I never had any work on the alar base, I just had a little correction of alar retraction from my first rhino.

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From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Jul 3, 2012
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David C. Mabrie, MD

Nostril reduction is a frequent request in my practice, here are three key facts to know: Be conservative!  Removing all the curve and making the nostrils straight doesn't make the nose look better, it makes it looks unnatural.  You can always take more, so fight the urge to be...

+8 answers
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Anil R. Shah, MD

Early on, nostril asymmetries can be present in the nose.  It is important to see how the changes occur when swelling decreases.  In cases of alar base asymmetry early on, you are usually better off waiting around 6 months, depending on the type of case.

+7 answers
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Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired)

Hi, Alar base reductions are notoriously difficult in the Ethnic population. There is always some asymmetry of the nostrils even before the surgery so asymmetry after the surgery can become more noticeable. Your asymmetry is not that bad and correction can make things worse. That said the pics...

+3 answers
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Paul S. Nassif, MD

In your case, an alarplasty alone would not help.  In general, an alarplasty, or alar base reduction will help reduce the size of the nostrils, making them less wide.  Your nostrils do not appear too wide, but appear to be receding upward.  Sometimes, when patients have nostrils...

+13 answers
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Jonathan Kulbersh, MD

It is still very soon after your procedure, and there is a considerable amount of swelling present.  In general, the results of an alar base reduction are evident immediately.  However, swelling that results from tip work can also influence the appearance of the nostrils.  In...

+4 answers
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Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired)

Hi, If you only had an alar base reduction then your're OK to exercise 10 days after surgery. However, you may want to ask your surgeon. Best, Dr.S.

+4 answers
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