What is the difference between alar base reduction and alar plasty?

It really depends on how the particular surgeon is using the term.  The terms can be used interchangeably, but they are somewhat general and you would need to meet with the surgeon and find out exactly what he or she plans to do when they use either term to avoid confusion.

These two terms essentially mean the same thing. The distance between the ala is shortened or reduced. This portion of a rhinoplasty requires an external incision.

Thank you for your question.  Medical terminology can be confusing and certainly isn't intuitive.  These two terms essentially refer to the same thing and in this case can mostly be used interchangeably.  Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape or function of the nose.  Nose reduction surgery would be a form of rhinoplasty just as alar base reduction is a form of alarplasty.

These terms are very similar and often times used interchangeably.  A base reduction involves narrowing the width of the base of the nose and moving the alar sides inward.  This is often times done along with alar plasty to reduce the length of the alar rim to maintain good nasal proportion and prevent a flaired nostril appearance after narrowing.  Also alar reduction to reduce the nostril size can be done without adjusting the width of the base.  It all depends on each individual's anatomy and their desired aesthetic outcome that determines which adjustments are best.

They are essentially the same thing.  "plasty" after each surgical procedure merely means "to change."  An alarplasty is performed for two main reasons:  1. to reduce the width of the nasal base, 2. to reduce the nostril size or shape.  Good luck!

Alar base resections are a specific maneuver to narrow the
nasal opening. Alarplasty is a term that incorporates many different techniques
to change the shape or contour of the alar. Alar base reduction is a form of
alarplasty.

Alar Base Reduction is a specific maneuver to narrow alae width, whereas Alar Plasty is a more generic term that implies any maneuver to the Alae.  Rhinoplasty is a challenging and rewarding procedure.  Be sure to choose a true rhinoplasty expert, and seek multiple consultations.  I like to employ computer image analysis to give the patient an idea of the final results.All the Best,Dr. Brian Reagan

These terms describe similar maneuvers. The size and shape of the nasal base can be modified to either narrow the base of the nose, reduce flare of the nostrils or both. The goal of nasal base modification depends upon exactly what aspect of the nasal base is being changes. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

There is a difference between these two procedures even though some surgeons are also confused about these terms. Nasal Base Reduction is when the width of base of the nose is reduced and most often involves alar reduction as well. Many surgeons perform alar reduction and consider that as a nasal base reducing procedure which in fact it does not do that. We developed a novel procedure called Alar Repositioning Technique which actually reduces nasal base without scar as well as reduces the flarring of ala.

Both terms mean the same thing. When patient's have wide nostrils, a wedge of skin is removed at the base of the nostrils and the incision closed, to narrow the nostrils. These procedures can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or as part of a full rhinoplasty.