Am I candidate for an alar base reduction or alar excision? (photos)

Question

My left alar is bigger than right. Which option would be best?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

A rhinoplasty specialist will be able to comprehensively address the issues you have with your nose. Alar base modification is an effective way to reduce the flare and/or width of the nostrils. Showing us a base view (photo from bottom up looking up into your nostrils) is the best view to evaluate your nostrils. Excess width can be reduced with sill incisions, excess flare with Weir incisions, and excess flare + width addressed with a combined Weir+sill incision. Consult with 2-3 of these surgeons in person and determine your comfort level with their approach, demeanor, and before and after results. Good luck @drdonyoo

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! For nostril asymmetries, I prefer to use alar base reduction. As you may know, this involves moving the nostril inward by a certain amount. You can do this on one side only if there is a significant difference. The results with good incision placement can be very nice. If the height on front view of the nostrils is different, I place cartilage grafts underneath the nostril to move the higher side down. Hope this helps!

Am I candidate for an alar base reduction or alar excision? (photos)

Answers (2)

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