Want natural look & feminine feature - alarplasty or rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

Hi! I’ve been wanting my nose done for so long. I feel like it looks like a piggy nose as it sticks up and the tip is thick. I want a natural look and would like a more feminine feature. Looks even worse when I smile! But what procedure should I go for?

Gregory S. Dibelius, MD · Answer

Hi!
You bring up a great question that many people have. In my opinion, alarplasty is a fairly limited procedure that can only make a very specific change to your nostrils. I'll try to explain what I mean:
The difference is that alarplasty typically only narrows the part of the nostril that attaches to the upper lip, next to the cheek. If the nose is a triangle looking from below (the base view), then what alarplasty does is it makes the bottom of the triangle shorter. So now the base of the triangle is narrower, which does have some aesthetic benefits, but nothing has changed with the top of the triangle. This is important because the top of the triangle is the nasal tip, usually the area that is looking to be narrowed or refined. Therefore, alarplasty alone does very little to the nasal tip, and a rhinoplasty is required to truly obtain a change in the tip aesthetics. 
I hope that makes some sense! There are excellent ways to achieve a natural narrowing of the tip, or other changes that you may be looking for. It is best to discuss these options directly with a qualified and board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos, it does appear that a rhinoplasty would make a nice change to your overall appearance and allow for more definition to your nose tip. While there are a variety of approaches and techniques employed by various surgeons, it is up to you to do your due diligence to find a rhinoplasty specialist in order to achieve the best results possible. If surgery is not an option for you, nonsurgical rhinoplasty can be used to reshape the nose to some degree with dermal filler. Good luck! @drdonyoo

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @ky88 thank you for your question and showing your pictures. The nose must preserve symmetrical harmony between all its structures. When generating the surgical plan all the structures pertaining to the nose should be taken into account for the best aesthetic results. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ky88,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from rhinoplasty. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kerem Sami Kaya, MD · Answer

Hi,The anatomical structure of your nose and bulbous nasal tip may have developed by genetically, but it is possible to turn into a natural and attractive nose with rhinoplasty surgery.Have a nice day.

Want natural look & feminine feature - alarplasty or rhinoplasty? (Photos)

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Want natural look & feminine feature - alarplasty or rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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