Is It Possible to Reduce the Thickness of the Alar Itself?

 To my knowledge and experience, there is no way to narrow overly thick alar.  Narrowing the nostrils through Weir incisions can help make the tip appear thinner, but this is not going to narrow the actual alar rims.

Absolutely, yes it can be done. It is a direct excision that removes the central portion of the alar wall. This results in a thinner ala. The scar heals quite well as long as the incision has been made cleanly and not at an angle. 

Reducing alar width can be achieved using incisions at the alar base. Reducing alar thickness however depends on which layer of the ala is contributing to the thickness, whether it is skin/dermis, fibrofatty, muscle, or cartilage layers. Each of these areas are treated differently whether it be in a medical or surgical fashion. There are of course limitations to what can be achieved. I would happy to provide a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of possibilities for your particular case. Take care.

Hi Gen,

Yes, the thickness of the ala may be reduced through direct excision techniques.  Best to consult with a few rhinoplasty specialists and then choose your surgeon most carefully.

Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Asians undergoing Asian Rhinoplasty commonly seek to decrease the width of the alar base at the same time to give a more refined result that still fits their face.  This procedure can be done in the doctor's office under local anesthesia so that you are awake during the procedure.