Otherwise known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is the most commonly used surgical method to fix and reshape the nose. It is a surgery that changes the nose’s contours and structure. It can be used to correct a variety of nasal issues, including flared or oversized nostrils.

The nose is one of the most prominent focal points of the face. It is usually what a person notices first when they look at you. When you have oversized nostrils, they are out of proportion with the rest of the nose. This can make the entire nose look too big and can create an imbalance in your facial features.

If you’re someone who has experienced embarrassment or self-consciousness due to this problem, nostril reduction rhinoplasty may be something worth considering.

What Is Nostril Reduction?

The technique to reduce nostril size is called alar base reduction, or alarplasty, since it is addressing the nasal ala. The ala are the rounded outer areas of the nostrils. Nostril reduction eliminates the flared appearance, restoring natural proportions to the nose. This in turn gives the face a greater sense of balance.

The nose is comprised of three regions. The upper region is primarily made up of bone, the middle is a mix of hard and flexible cartilages, and the lower is made up of flexible cartilages and fatty tissues. Nostril reduction rhinoplasty focuses on the outside structure of the lower region.

What Happens During the Surgery?

An alar base reduction to correct flared nostrils typically takes around 20 minutes and can be added to any rhinoplasty. If done by itself, it could be done in the office under local anesthesia, but it is often added to a larger rhinoplasty surgery in the operating room.

Many techniques can be used to reduce nostril size and flare, depending on the patient’s specific nasal anatomy. A wedge of skin can be removed from the outside of the nostril or the inside of the nostril floor. These accomplish different looks and have different uses. The nostril can be narrowed or the excess nostril flare removed. Regardless of the technique, the incision is typically small and heals well but may be visible. This requires a thorough discussion with your surgeon.

In some cases, muscles cause a lateral pull on the nostrils and must be trimmed to solve the issue. Nasal tip cartilage can also cause the look of flared nostrils. Some tip cartilage can be removed and the remaining cartilage can be reshaped to correct this.

After the nostrils have been reduced in size, Dr. Compton stitches back the skin, closing the incisions. Post-operative care is reasonably straightforward and includes cleaning and applying ointment. Dr. Compton will explain recovery instructions to you before the surgery and provide detailed instructions.

Get Started Today

If you would like to find out more about rhinoplasty to reduce oversized nostrils, contact the office of Dr. Andrew Compton, an experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Schedule your consultation to get started.