I Just Want to Have an Alar Base Reduction..Can It Be Done Without Tip Reshaping?

Alar base surgery to address alar flaring and nostril size can create very powerful changes to improve the overall appearance of a nose. It can be done without performing rhinoplasty to address other parts of the nose. In some cases, alar base surgery alone can provide a natural result, while in other cases, additional areas of the nose require alteration to create the most balanced and natural result. When alar base surgery is done well, the resulting appearance will be balanced and natural and the scars will be imperceptible. The recovery is usually straightforward and by 2 weeks after the procedure, the scars should be hard to see.

It is possible to perform an alar base reduction alone, but an in-person assessment of your nose would be necessary to determine whether tip reshaping would be necessary to give you the best possible result. I would recommend seeking the advice of a board certified rhinoplasty specialist. He or she will be able to evaluate your nose and provide you with advice. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Alar base reduction by itself in a nose with a bulbous tip will make the tip look even less refined. It would be better to address both of these items. This may cost $5000 on the low end. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Alar base reduction (a.k.a. Weir excision) is one of many procedures used by experienced Plastic Surgeons to improve the look of the nose. I would not recommend alar base excision without first assessing the entire pre operative nasal condition. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for evaluation

It IS possible to narrow the alar base without modifying the tip or bridge of the nose. It is impossible to assess whether that would be recommended without evaluating your nose and face. Most often, this would not be recommended as there are usually issues that need to be addressed in addition to excess width of the lower part of the nose. Seek a consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to obtain very specific advice on your nose and what might be the best way to achieve your goals. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACSWeber Facial Plastic Surgery