Is it possible to make the alar rim thinner? (photos)

Question

I want to have the walls of my nostrils thinned and the supra alar crease lowered. My alars are too thick and tall. I have had two rinoplasties done, in 2009 and in 2011. I would also like to bring my tip down because after the second Surgury I feel that it is turned up too much.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Thinning the alar rims is possible but rarely indicated, however in your case you would benefit from it, you must accept a thin scar just right at the edge of the alar rim; it is a precision work of high risk, is slicing out a thin portion of the central rim preserving the outer and inner linings without making a retraction or a necrosis.Agree your nose works are or very poor quality; I recommend full rebuild of the tip to lower it, reshape, redefine and obtain an harmonious result without the pinching effect.Your case is a great challenge, what an interesting case for the right surgeon.Beware who you choose, it is a top difficulty case.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Thick skin will be an significant impediment to seeing any further refinement in the tip of the nose. The thickness of the skin can sometimes be contributing more to the bulbous tip than  the actual lower lateral cartilages of the tip. The sidewalls of the nostrils are very difficult to thin out, since there is no cartilage in that area and it is fibrofatty tissue. It's important not allow any collapse of the alar rims. Look for a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for any further refinement

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

Firstly your columella, is hanging low, the tip is too ball-like and your skin is thick.There is an operation to take a wedge out of the alae but few surgeons do it because of visible scarring and possible distortion.Your tip need refinement. What exact surgical procedures cannot be determined just by  seeing a few pictures. You need a good surgeon.

Is it possible to make the alar rim thinner? (photos)

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Is it possible to make the alar rim thinner? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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