Is It Possible to Reverse Alarplasty?

Question

is it possible to reverse alarplasty? i had alarplasty and i totally regret it now! i think i had weir excision, wedges were removed from my base and also alar overhang trimmed. about 3-4mm of my overhang was removed and now i can't even see my alars anymore. i would like to know what are my options, i really want to have my old alar back or atleast anything to help minimize this deficiency. i want my old alar overhang and a bit space in my alar base

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Ratedrko,

	
		It depends on what your exam looks like
	
		You may need extra length of the nostrils, and a graft with skin and cartilage can be used from the ear
	
		The other alternative is to do something to open the nostril with stitches
	
		You can look at both options during a consultation


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

During an alar reduction procedure, a portion of the nasal ala (at the base, most commonly) is actually removed. Restoring that portion of tissue is not possible, however that does not necessarily mean that a revision is out of the question.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

Alar reduction is one procedure in rhinoplasty in which the soft tissue is actually removed.  Therefore, in order to reverse it, soft tissue and skin needs to be replaced.  Doing this is difficult.  First, the tissue to be added must be stiff enough to overcome the contracture and narrowing resulting from the first procedure--this means a composite graft of skin and cartilage together.  These grafts are bulky and hard to hide. The graft can be hidden inside the rim of the nostril to restore some of the alar over-hang, but they will most likely cause some bulk inside the nostril, which could create some airflow obstruction.  The grafts cannot be completely hidden when used to restore alar flare or width.  This type of situation is one in which the "correction" creates a situation worse than the "problem".

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Alar plasty usually entails removal of tissue. Once that tissue is removed it is almost impossible to reconstruct it without significant scarring.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Usually it is impossible to reverse an alarplasty  after portions of the nasal base are removed. I would need to see pictures to determine if the width or contour can be improved.

Is It Possible to Reverse Alarplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Reversing Nasal Alarplasty

Answer: Reversing Nasal Alarplasty

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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Is It Possible to Reverse Alarplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Alarplasty

Answer: Reversing Nasal Alarplasty

Answer: Reversing Nasal Alarplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

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