Will an alarplasty solve my long nostrils? (Photos)

Question

I'm wondering if an alarplasty would solve the issues I have with my nose. Flaring and width is one, and also from the side the nostrils are too long (nose too far back on the cheek) Would an alar base reduction help me? Could the a symmetry also be addressed?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. Thank you for your pictures. An alarplasty will only correct the width of your nostrils. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I like doing alar reduction in cases that are good candidates.   I think yours would turn out fine and most patients are quite happy with the results.  Bear in mind not all surgeons are that much into this particular procedure. Either that or the piece they cut out is so small that it doesn’t make much difference.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you may benefit from a nasal tip deprojection in order to shorten the overall length of your nostrils.  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.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. 
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos. Alarplasty (a.k.a. alar base modification or alar base reduction) is used to reduce the width of the nostril opening or the thickness of the nostril rim, or both. It does not specifically reduce the length of the nostril opening. This dimension of the nostril can be affected by other maneuvers in the tip, such as changes in the shape or size of the tip cartilages, addition of grafted cartilage, etc. Overall, however, the length of the nostril is difficult to change significantly. Best of luck moving forward!

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. A physical examination by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon could provide best options for you. You may benefit from alarplasty to reduce the size of your nostrils if the internal interventions wouldn't be enough. The breathing issues can be fixed as well. However, the total nostril symmetry is hard to achieve. You can utilise my own techniques for detailed information. The Dorsal Roof Technique protects the dorsal anatomy but fixes the deformity and moreover, supports your dorsum by using the excessive tissue instead of excision. The ST FLAP TECHNIQUE protects the anatomy, supports the weak parts and reshapes the tip.  
  
A beautiful and natural looking nose, that suits your face can be achieved by the help of the Closed and Atraumatic Rhinoplasty, which minimizes swelling and bruises, maximizes healing, prevents tissue damage and eliminates a scar on the columella. To find out more please click on the attached link.  
  
Best Regards

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

I do think it would help but it would not get you to 100% of your goal. In order to do that you would need to deproject your entire nose by bringing the tip closer to your face. This would be considered a full rhinoplasty so its more expensive, requires healing and time to see your results. Personally if you are seeking just some improvement I would suggest starting with an alarplasty and seeing if it gets you to your goal as that can be done for under $2000 and in under an hour with local anesthesia.

Jin Joong Kim, MD · Answer

With an alarplasty procedure you can reduce the width of the nostrils, but not the length of them. 
From the pictures it looks like you have a long nose, thus you should have a nasal tip correction in order to make the nostrils smaller in length. 
The asymmetry is something that can be corrected, but you shouldn't expect a 100% symmetry after the surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

No, an alar-plasty will not solve long nostrils. The purpose of an alar -plasty is to narrow wide nostrils. Asymmetry of the nostrils also very common in can be improved, but there's no perfect nose. The hanging columella can be addressed with the columella-plasty.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Stars22, No, an alarplasty will reduce the width of nostrils but will not effect the length. While asymmetry of the nostrils can be improved this would not be a suggested procedure for you. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

An alarplasty can be done to decrease the width of your nostrils and but will have little effect on the length. Symmetry can be decreased but asymmetry will not be eliminated.

Will an alarplasty solve my long nostrils? (Photos)

Answers (10)

More Alarplasty Questions

How soon until I have my alarplasty scar treated with co2 laser?

Can I combine an alarplasty with Italian lip lift? And how many days would it take to look publicly acceptable?

Alar base reduction without any visible scars? (photos)

2 days post-op. Can an alar base reduction be done without external scars?

Scab came off and left an indent (alarplasty - rhinoplasty). Will I be left with this indent forever?

One alar base is higher than the other. Would raising the lower side with an alar base wedge resection be most sensible? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS