Fix hanging columella and alarplasty? (Photo)

Question

I would like to have my nose fixed but I don't want to have a full rhinoplasty. I'm fine with my bump and width of my nose. I'm unsatisfied with my hanging columellar and width of my nostrils especially when I smile. I'm curious what the price of this procedure would be and if this could be done under local anesthesia?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Your hanging columella and wide nostrils are due to poor tip support.  This can be corrected with local anesthesia and light IV sedation and does not require a general anesthesia.  Cost information is provided after an in person visit.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The hanging columella can be addressed with a columellar-plasty. This involves trimming back the excess skin and cartilage on the inside of the columella. An alar plasty involves  2 incisions at the base of the nostril sill and excising a portion of skin and sewing the nostrils  into a more narrow position. It is possible to perform these procedures under local anesthesia, however  there are lots of nerve endings in that area of the nose and it is very difficult to get that area completely numbed up to the local anesthetic. Placement of local anesthetic itself will be very painful. In most cases, we perform these procedures under brief general anesthetia for patient safety and comfort. For many examples, please see the video and the link below

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear jacqlove90, Alar plasty can be performed to reduce the width of the nostrils. In my practice this procedure would be performed with a general anesthesia to provide comfort and ensure safety for the patient. The hanging columella can be addressed at the same time. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Your hanging columella can be lifted but you may need to have cartilage grafts placed to lower your arched nostril rim. The nasal base can be narrowed by excising a small amount of skin with an incision inside in the nasal sill. This can be done with local anesthesia but I would recommend sedation or a light general anesthetic which will make the procedure much more comfortable for you.

Fix hanging columella and alarplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Correcting Hanging Columella and Wide Nasal Base

Answer: Correcting Hanging Columella and Wide Nasal Base

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.

Fix hanging columella and alarplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Correcting Hanging Columella and Wide Nasal Base

Answer: Correcting Hanging Columella and Wide Nasal Base

Browse related questions

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.