What can be done to widen the alar base other than putting ear cartilage inside the nostrils?

Question

My alar base was reduced and I didn't like it. I had a doctor insert ear cartilage from the helix of the ear to give me 3mm more width. I like it more but I have 2 questions. 1. Does that type procedure change the shape of the nostrils making them more round? 2. Is there any other procedure that can be done to widen the alar base? I realize that this is a tricky type procedure and risky, and many doctors won't do it. I would be thrilled to get a little more width. Thanks.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Alar base reduction is one of the most difficult steps in a rhinoplasty.  It is truly one of those procedures that you need to measure about 5 times prior to making any cuts and it is imperative that you know what you are doing prior to making any cuts.  Stenosis is a difficult problem.  Ear cartilage can widen the nostril but it does nothing to correct the location of where the new nostril is inserted.  It can be corrected with something called a transposition flap but it is not a perfect solution

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

To increase the width of the alar base after an alar base reduction is a tricky procedure. That being said it can be done with or without grafting just depending upon the shape of the nostrils and whether or not they need to be widened as well. A transposition flap can be used to draw out the nostrils further. I would recommend consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon in your area.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Yes, it can be accomplished using internal nasal flaps without any ear grafts. I use this technique quite often, depending on the shape & curvature of the nostril after the previous alar base excisional surgery. Otherwise, I use a composite graft (skin + cartilage) from the ear. Using the internal flaps just widens the nasal base without adding to the curvature of the nostril. The composite graft usually rounds out the attachment of the nostril as it inserts onto the face.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you had a procedure to narrow the alar base it is not easy to reverse it. It requires tissue to be added in the form of a small flap which could make the appearance worse.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tipala,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What can be done to widen the alar base other than putting ear cartilage inside the nostrils?

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar base surgery

Answer: Alar base surgery

Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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What can be done to widen the alar base other than putting ear cartilage inside the nostrils?

Answers (5)

Answer: Alar base surgery

Answer: Alar base surgery

Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: Rhinoplasty candidate

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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