Would Alar Base Surgery be enough to fix my nose? (Photo)

Question

I dislike how my nose looks, probably because of the flare at the nostrils. One side is worse than the other. When I smile, my nostrils go up to the sides and make my nose look like an arrow. I think it makes me look mean. Would alar base surgery make my nose look better and would it change the tip of my nose at all? It's more the flare of the nostrils that I don't like, not really the rest of my nose.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Your nostrils are a bit flared so an alar base reduction can improve the nose. However, it won't affect the tip, and if the tip is a bit droopy and weak, some tip surgery to strengthen it would be required. Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty surgeon for consultation.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You appear to be a reasonable candidate for alarplasty alone. The procedure is often done under local anesthesia which allow you to plan out the procedure with the surgeon. There are a few things you should know when looking for a surgeon. Not all surgeons don’t do alarplasty often. Many surgeons cut out such a small piece it hardly makes a difference.  Bear that in mind when selecting a surgeon

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Alar base surgery: Alar base surgery can always be done as an isolated procedure if that is all that bothers you. If alar base surgery is done alone, it could be done under local anesthesia in the office. However sometimes what makes a “mean look“ is a downward drooping of the tip as well as the high arched and wide based nostrils. If drooping of the tip is also an issue then nasal tip plasty and a limited rhinoplasty would help to obtain a more complete correction of the appearance.

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Would Alar Base Surgery be enough to fix my nose? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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