Should I get a nostril reduction during or post rhinoplasty operation?

Question

I met w/ a dr recently He said "i would wait on reducing the nostril until after surgery most people are happy with their nose & nostrils post op" maybe he just said that so I would have to pay for another operation?? Maybe I'm just paranoid and what he said is actually common. I know its all about my own preference & maybe after surgery I wont care, but I do care about my nostril size right now. let me know if this is common and if I should /need to reduce my nostrils during or post op

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. I would not do an alar base reduction unless you are 100% certain that is what you want.  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. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  There is no right answer to your question as every nose is unique & there are multiple ways to perform rhinoplasty.  Based on your photo, your tip is bulbous and the alar bases are a bit wider than idea.  Also, keep in mind that one intervention can result in other changes to your nose.  For example, sometimes deprojecting a nose can result in a wider than desired nasal width.  Based on the photos you submitted, I think narrowing the alar bases is probably needed to achieve your request, as well as refining your bulbous tip.  Personally, I would do this at the same time since my goal is to achieve the desired shape in one surgery.  However, your surgeon's recommendation to delay alar base reduction is not unreasonable, but I also think it's best you two have a frank discussion on what is a fair determination of cost.  The decision to have a rhinoplasty is a major decision, so don't feel you have to make a decision right away.  It's actually common to have multiple visits to your surgeon to make sure all your questions are answered.  Take care.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Since the reduction of the alar width would involve a scar along the alar base, most rhinoplasty surgeons try to avoid it unless necessary and desired.  However, your alar bases do extend a bit beyond your medial canthus which makes a case for doing it.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

You should avoid having this done unless absolutely necessary to meet your expectations. Your nose will probably look great after the surgery with no need for the alar reduction.

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

Your ala do not appear to be excessively wide, and based upon your photos I would defer a reduction. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty.

Should I get a nostril reduction during or post rhinoplasty operation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nostril reduction

Answer: Nostril reduction

Answer: Alar reduction

Answer: Alar reduction

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Should I get a nostril reduction during or post rhinoplasty operation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Nostril reduction

Answer: Nostril reduction

Answer: Alar reduction

Answer: Alar reduction

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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.