What to Expect With Nostril Reduction Surgery
When you think “nose job” you think correction to the bridge and the tip. A nostril reduction is one of the many aspects that can be addressed when refining the nose. Noses are one-of-a-kind and come in many different shapes and sizes. This makes a rhinoplasty surgery unique to each individual. The nostrils can be worked on as a standalone procedure, or in most cases is done during a full rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty surgery is an extremely popular procedure for both women and men of all ages. A rhinoplasty can refine multiple aspects of the nose from straightening out a nose, changing the tip of the nose, or reducing the size of the nostrils is very common.
Nostril Reduction Candidate
A candidate for a nostril reduction is typically someone who feels their nostril constantly looks flared. When nostrils flare naturally with facial movement, they spread out widely from the base of the nose temporarily.
If a nostril reduction or “weir reduction” is being done as a standalone procedure it can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake. Our doctors will make a very precise incision can be made to reduce the width of the nostrils and they are carefully brought into better proportion with the nasal tip and bridge of the nose.
If a patient wanted to add a nostril reduction to a rhinoplasty, it will be performed with care in our operating room under general anesthesia. Depending on what is being addressed during a rhinoplasty procedure, the procedure can be done with either an “open” or “closed” approach. With an “open” rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the columella, cartilage in between the nostrils. This approach allows the surgeon to access multiple parts of the nose. A “closed” rhinoplasty does not involve an incision but only allows access through the patient’s nostrils. However, if a nostril reduction is being addressed, incisions will be expected.
The incisions are made in the creases on the sides of each nostril. A portion of skin is removed and closed to reduce the sizes of the nostrils. Stiches are placed and removed in approximately 5-7 days. Initially the incisions will stay red until fully healed, but generally the scars are thin and heal very nicely.
What to Expect From a Nostril Reduction Rhinoplasty Consultation
During a rhinoplasty consultation, patients typically express their concerns and an appropriate plan is made. Our surgeons utilize virtual tools, which is when the patient’s photo is imaged showing the discussed changes to the nose. This allows patients to get a better idea of what their nose will look like and their overall appearance once they are healed from a rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to remember that imaging is a guide and not a guarantee of results.
Whether you are interested in nostril reduction or a full rhinoplasty, trust your nose to an experienced facial plastic surgeon who works on the nose day in and day out. The nose can be very complex and if not done correctly, can compromise the important functions of the nose.
Nostril Reduction Facts
1. Nostril reduction, also known as alarplasty, is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the nostrils.
2. The procedure is usually done for cosmetic reasons, to make the nostrils look more symmetrical or to make the nose appear smaller.
3. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, with the patient awake during the procedure.
4. The surgeon will make an incision on the inside of the nostril to remove excess tissue and reshape the nostril.
For more information about nostril reduction surgery and to schedule a consultation, please contact our Draper or Layton, Utah office at (801)776-2220. Visit our rhinoplasty gallery at www.utahfacialplastics.com.