Would Alarplasty compromise my breathing? (Photos)

Question

Hello Doctors, I have wide alars and I want a result similar to when I pinch them together, is this reasonable or will my breathing be affected? Is it possible to get it that small with just alarplasty? My nose is also slightly deviated to the left side. Thank you!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. You may also benefit from an alar base reduction, but it would not appear as pinched as in your picture.  This should not affect your breathing if good technique is performed.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. That amount of reduction in your alar width would most likely create some level of obstruction to airflow. I would work with a rhinoplasty specialist to design an operation that would help your alar base width concerns while avoiding compromised airflow.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Elaine9712,it is hard to tell only by looking at your photos. A detailed in-person examination would be required to tell you which procedure would be the best choice for you. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

William Portuese, MD · Answer

From the photograph presented, the amount of pinching would compromise the air flow, so it is very important not to do that.  A thorough internal and external examination of the nose by a  rhinoplasty specialist can show you approximately how much can safely be narrowed.  The crooked nose will require a full rhinoplasty  under general anesthesia.  An alar plasty can be performed under local anesthesia as a stand-alone procedure.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Every nose is
different and unique to that individual. If the appearance of your nose
concerns you enough to do something about it, it can be improved with a natural
artistically performed rhinoplasty. What would be the best option and exact
procedure would depend on an in person examination (not just an online
consultation) and discussion about desired outcome. 
Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website
who proposes to tell you exactly what to do and how technically to do
it based on very limited two dimensional photos without examining you, physically
feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical
history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not
be in your best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized
and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone
else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty
experience certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is
ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person. 
Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
La Jolla, California

Would Alarplasty compromise my breathing? (Photos)

Answers (5)

More Alarplasty Questions

Driving home after alarplasty with local anesthetic, is it safe?

Am I a candidate for alarplasty? (Photo)

Alarplasty after the rhinoplasty 8 months ago?

Can an alarplasty/tip-plasty give me a slimmer looking nose and reduce nostril size? (Photo)

Is my incision becoming infected? I'm 25 days post alarplasty. (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS