Can alarplasty achieve the below results? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’ve always been wanting a more triangular nose with smaller nostril without the change of the entire nose, my idea nose is the one when I pull my alar in (below picture). Can standalone alarplasty achieve the result ? How long am my expecting for the swelling ? Is lump expected after alarplasty surgery? How long it takes for the suture to full stick to the base ? Thanks

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hello,Firstly, your photo is not enough  to make any evaluation. An alarplasty procedure will be not enough to alter your nose for balanced, triangular shape. A rhinoplasty procedure to overall reduction of your nose  can provide  a balanced, natural looking  nose. For the harmony it is very important to analyze your nose 3 dimensional structure and your face as well. When Piezo technology is used, it will protect your anatomy, your soft tissue, thus your healing will be maximal level with minimal edema and swelling.A professional, exprienced surgeon can achieve best result for you.Kind Regards,

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Best advise you could get from the physical examination by an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon.  An alar plasty alone woudn't give you desired results, since the nose is a 3 dimensional structure and all parts of the nose should be harmonized with each other. Based on your limited view you may benefit from the overall reduction of your nose, refinement of the tip with slight uplifting for a more feminine view. A beautiful and natural nose can be achieved by the Closed and Atraumatic Technique due to minimize swelling and bruises, maximize healing, prevent tissue damage and eliminate a scar on the columella. To find out more before and after pictures please click on the attached link. Best Regards

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Alarplasty as a stand alone procedure is an excellent option for you. A few pieces of advice.if all you want is alarplasty don’t get talked into other stuff you don’t want or need. Make sure the surgeon can show you photos of alarplasties they have done. Many surgeons don’t like the procedure or will cut out such a small piece that it won’t make the kind of difference you want.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty which be performed by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. You may also benefit from an alar base reduction. Most patients are able to return to work within one week of surgery. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system. You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon. If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Alar base reduction by itself does nothing to improve the tip. So if you satisfied with no tip improvement or any other aspect of the nose, that would be fine.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be very hard to give you meaningful advice based on these photos. However, generally speaking, it is possible to make your nostrils smaller with excision of tissue from alla or nostril sill. In person evaluation and discussion about your goal with a board certified plastic or ENT surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question and sharing your photos. These photographs are very limited, which makes it hard to give you a useful advice. You might benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure, focusing on nasal tip refinement and alar base reduction. My best advice is that you discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty. I would ask to see before and after pictures of their real patients. It's important that you trust your surgeon's skills and ability to achieve the results you are looking for. In particular, pay attention to your surgeon's experience with rhinoplasty. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, you appear to be demonstrating a degree of nostril enlargement. One can reduce the nostril flare and size with an alar base excision, camouflaging the scar in the alar crease. The procedure is easily tolerated under local anesthesia or sedation. In our practice, we avoid external sutures whenever possible. 60-80% of the swelling will subside over the first 6 weeks, but it will take 6-12 months to fully heal.Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...