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*Treatment results may vary

Alarplasty - Beyond Happy with Results!!!

It’s been three months since I had my alarplasty, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I met Dr. Shah in 2018 (I had a botched primary rhinoplasty with a different doctor in 2017), but it was too soon for me to get a revision. He was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions, so I saved his email address and reached out to him last year (and again this year) and decided to have the alarplasty done.
Background: I had my primary rhinoplasty in 2017 (with another doctor), but it was botched, and my nostrils were uneven. One nostril was round, the other was flat, and my nose also looked flared & upturned. I was beyond depressed over this. In 2019, I had revision rhinoplasty with a rib graft (with a new doctor), and later that year, I had nasal sill excisions with another doctor. I was happy with the improvements -- but still dissatisfied that my nostrils were round and visible from a frontal view. At this point, I had three procedures, and I just wanted my nostril size to be proportionate to the rest of my nose.
Consultation: The consultation went well, and Dr. Shah knew exactly what I wanted. Some doctors felt that I was asking for something unreasonable, and I was relieved that Dr. Shah listened and fully understood my concerns. He remembered me from when I saw him a few years ago, and he was still very patient and knowledgeable. Everything, including the limitations, was explained in a clear and concise manner. I wanted to get the surgery ASAP.
Surgical procedure: Bilateral Alar Base Resection (Alarplasty) under local anesthesia. It was a little painful (mainly towards the end) but definitely bearable. I was happy that it was performed under local anesthesia because his medical assistant took pictures during the procedure, they asked how I liked the results, and if I wanted my nostrils to be narrower. It was so weird seeing my nostrils two different sizes -- but the difference was amazing, and I knew that I would love the results. I felt relieved and confident.
Results: This may have been a minor procedure, but for me, it made a HUGE difference. I can look in the mirror and not feel insecure about my nostril size. This may sound strange, but when I looked in the mirror after the procedure, I literally felt the tension leave my body (prior to this, I liked my nose, but I was so distressed by my nostril size). My nostrils are more oval-shaped and they look proportionate to the rest of my nose.
Aftercare & Follow-up: I saw the doctor to get the stitches taken out (a little painful), and he assured me that the scars would be less visible as time goes by. This surgery does leave scars (as does any other surgery), but it’s probably not too noticeable by other people, and for me, it is well worth the trade-off. I haven’t been able to go to my second follow-up appt. (due to working), but I have not experienced any problems or any complications. The doctor is responsive via email and phone. I wouldn’t hesitate to have another procedure with him, and he is definitely recommended.

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
74 E 79th St, New York, New York
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Answered my questions
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