What incision for alarplasty for alar base reduction would suit my nose? (photo)

Question

Worried as i notice alot of US doctors use the internal or hidden scar method which works great for people with a wide base to the inside of their nostril but on people like me with a more narrow internal base it will often end up looking pointed on the inside so very unnatural or make little difference at all. A doctor with experience here that can give me recommendation on the right approach for.my nose! Only interested in alarplasty as when i push in my nostrils i see exactly the nose i want.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Your posted photos show asymmetric tip cartilages with a prominent right foot plate, a widened alar base and weak lateral crura with narrowed almost vertical nostril openings. An alar base reduction alone will not fix the tip cartilage asymmetry and in the presence of weak lateral crural support could leave you with external nasal valve/nostril collapse especially on inspiration even if some skin is left on the nostril sill rather than excision of an ellipse of skin. If you want to fix the asymmetry and prominent foot plate you are going to have to do more than an alar base resection. At examination your surgeon also needs to assess for the need for lateral crura batton graft or alar spreader graft to prevent the collapse after surgery. Your desire for minimal surgery is understandable but misguided.I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

Ali Mosharrafa, MD · Answer

The best incisions for alar reduction surgery and for you are located on the side of the nostril 1mm from the crease where the nostril meets the cheek.  It should not go any higher than the top of the nostril on the side view and extends to the nostril opening below.  
Hope this helps.
Dr. Ali Mosharrafa

Thomas A. Dalsaso, Jr., MD · Answer

I am not a big fan of alar reduction, particularly in noses with fine features such as yours.  The scars never look great and I doubt you could achieve what you are looking for with internal reduction only.

What incision for alarplasty for alar base reduction would suit my nose? (photo)

Answers (3)

More Alarplasty Questions

Can alar base reduction be reversed even if there are scars? I am willing to do whatever to get the same shape

Follow-up: Will an alarplasty make my wide nose look better? (Photos)

What is the most effective treatment for my alarplasty scars? (Photos)

Can my nostrils be corrected and/or reshaped after disastrous alarplasty? (photo)

Do you think my nose would be fine with just a alarplasty or would i need further work to get this desired effect? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS