Introduction
Nasal ala base resection, also known as alarplasty, is a surgical procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of the nose and improve facial symmetry. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics where patients can undergo this procedure with confidence. This article will introduce you to the top five facilities for nasal ala base resection in the city, along with in - depth information about the procedure itself.
Understanding Nasal Ala Base Resection
What is Nasal Ala Base Resection?
Nasal base reduction, or alarplasty, refers to a rhinoplasty technique that is intended to narrow the alar base, or base, of the nose in cases where it is excessively wide for the face. The alar base plays a central role in the overall proportion and appearance of the nose and the nose’s harmony with the rest of the face. An overly flared or wide alar base can lead to a nose that looks bottom - heavy.
The width of the nasal base can be measured from the outer margin of one nostril to the outer margin of the opposite nostril. Its axis can be classified as vertical, divergent, or convergent. Generally, the nasal base should fall between the distance between the inner corners of a patient’s two eyes. In other words, if you extend a vertical line towards the face from the inner canthus (corner of the eye) on each eye, the nasal base should not exceed those two lines.
Benefits of Nasal Ala Base Resection
- Refines the nose: It refines and improves the overall appearance of the nose, making it more proportionate to the face.
- Improves symmetry: Enhances facial symmetry and balance, as the nose is a central feature of the face.
- Boosts self - confidence: A more aesthetically pleasing nose can significantly improve a patient's self - confidence.
- Reduces nostril size: Decreases the size of the nostrils and reduces nostril flare, resulting in a more refined look.
- Long - lasting results: The results of the surgery are long - lasting, providing a permanent solution to the issue of a wide alar base.
Anatomy Involved
Knowledge of the nasal base anatomy is essential to determining the optimal surgical technique. The nostrils are separated into right and left sides by the columella, the vertical “column - like” structure that runs down the center of the nose. The nasal sill extends from either side of the bottom of the columella and extends to the alar base insertion, or the segment of the nostril side wall where it meets the cheek - upper lip junction.
When evaluating the shape of the nostrils from the base, it is clear that the anterior nasal spine, lower lateral cartilages, caudal septum, maxilla, upper lip, and the soft tissue and skin that envelope the nose are all contributing factors in the overall appearance of the nasal base and its width. Altering any one of these structural elements of the nose or their relationship to one another can change the appearance and attractiveness of the nostril shape and affect nasal function.
Surgical Techniques
There are three surgical techniques that are typically used alone or in combination to narrow the nasal base and/or reduce alar flare:
- Alar wedge excision: Also known as the weir incision, this is the preferred technique for minimizing ala that are excessively flared to reduce wide nasal base from the frontal appearance. The wedge excision technique removes wedge - shaped pieces of tissue from the nasal flare and spares an incision in the nostrils. It is ideal for avoiding an over - straightening of the ala, preserves the natural curvature of the ala, and has the added benefit of avoiding telltale incisions in the opening of each nostril.
- Nasal sill excision: This is typically used in the correction of enlarged nasal sill width along with excessive flare in the ala. Sill reduction is indicated when the nasal base has a horizontal axis and the nostrils are enlarged. In rare cases, when the alar base is wide because of a large nasal sill and presents no flaring, the sill alone is directly narrowed.
- V - Y advancement: This technique is used to reposition the alar insertion if the lateral insertion of the ala is responsible for excessive nasal base width. However, it is rarely performed as it will leave a scar on the face.
Candidates for Nasal Ala Base Resection
Candidates for nasal base reduction are individuals who have concerns with the excessive width of the base of their nose. Additionally, they should generally be in good health, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. They should also have fully recovered from any previous surgeries near and around the nose area.
Risks and Recovery
Nasal base reduction is a fairly common procedure with minimal risks when working with an experienced surgeon. If performed alone (without concomitant rhinoplasty), it can be performed under local anesthesia only. Recovery time for nasal base reduction is roughly one to two weeks. Patients can expect that the base of their nose will be slightly swollen and red immediately following surgery, but this will subside gradually over the recovery period. Any stitches are typically removed one week after surgery. Full recovery takes approximately one month.
Although rare, risks can include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Patients should be careful not to rub or bump the nose for one month following surgery.
Top Five Hospitals for Nasal Ala Base Resection in New York City
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. Cangello is NYC’s preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery. He offers patients customized treatment plans and transformative results. With a renowned ability to create noses that are both functionally superior and cosmetically beautiful, Dr. Cangello has spent decades honing his expansive skill in this nuanced medical field.
He evaluates each patient’s unique nasal anatomy to determine the best surgical technique that will improve the appearance of the nose and enhance functionality while still retaining the individual, racial, and ethnic characteristics unique to that patient. Whether it's an alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, or V - Y advancement, Dr. Cangello can choose the most appropriate approach for the patient.
2. LM Medical NYC
At LM Medical NYC, located in Greenwich Village and the Upper East Side, they offer nostril reduction surgery and alar base reduction. Dr. Lesley Rabach, a top double - board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty and cosmetic nose surgery, is available for consultations.
Large or flared nostrils are often a concern for patients seeking rhinoplasty, and LM Medical NYC can address these issues. Small, discreet incisions can be made at the base of the nose to adjust the size and shape of the nostrils, resulting in smaller, narrower nostrils that look more refined, while leaving the rest of the nose untouched. Alar base reduction surgery at this clinic adjusts the width of the bottom portion of the nose, improving nasal symmetry, reducing nostril size, and achieving better facial harmony.
3. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai’s division of rhinology, sinus surgery, and allergy is at the forefront of treating the full range of nasal and sinus disease. While their focus is not solely on alar base resection, their fellowship - trained surgeons are experts in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, inflammatory sinus surgery, and all nasal obstruction surgeries. This expertise can be beneficial for patients who may have other nasal issues in addition to a wide alar base.
The hospital utilizes state - of - the - art technology and employs the least invasive treatment possible for each patient. They also have various programs and offer several clinical trials, which have helped them achieve better - than - national averages in patient outcomes. For nasal ala base resection, patients can expect a high - quality, comprehensive approach to their treatment.
4. Monaco MD
Dr. Casian Monaco at Monaco MD, located in New York City’s Upper East Side, performs nostril reduction surgery with precision and an artistic eye. Alar base reduction, a key component of nostril reduction surgery, is his specialty.
He understands the significance of the nose in the overall balance and harmony of the face. Even minor adjustments to the nostrils can have a profound impact on one’s appearance. Dr. Monaco addresses issues such as asymmetrical nostrils, reduces nostril size, refines the nasal tip, and improves facial harmony. His personalized approach to each patient, considering their unique facial features and aesthetic goals, sets his practice apart.
5. Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, a surgeon specially trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty, offers alar base reduction in NYC. His procedure, also called alarplasty or nostril reduction surgery, aims to adjust the width of the nose’s bottom part, reduce nostril size, improve nasal symmetry, and create facial harmony.
He provides an overview of the alarplasty surgery, including the reduction technique, which involves numbing the area, making an incision to remove tissue where the nostril and the cheek meet, and bringing the nostrils inwards. Dr. Lisiecki also emphasizes the importance of finding an ideal candidate, who should be in good health, a non - smoker, have recovered from previous nose - area surgeries, and have realistic expectations. The benefits of his alar base reduction surgery include minimal scarring, natural results, a smaller and more balanced nose, and a boost in confidence.
Comparing the Top Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Techniques Offered | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. Cangello is a preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon with decades of experience in creating functional and cosmetically beautiful noses while preserving ethnic characteristics. | Alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, V - Y advancement | Customized treatment plans based on individual nasal anatomy |
| LM Medical NYC | Dr. Lesley Rabach is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty and cosmetic nose surgery. | Small, discreet incisions for nostril and alar base reduction | Ability to address flared nostrils without a full nose job |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Fellowship - trained surgeons with expertise in various nasal and sinus surgeries. | Endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques | State - of - the - art technology, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach |
| Monaco MD | Dr. Casian Monaco performs nostril reduction surgery with precision and an artistic eye. | Alar base reduction as a key part of nostril reduction surgery | Personalized approach based on individual facial features and aesthetic goals |
| Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki | Surgeon trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty | Alarplasty with a detailed reduction technique | Clear overview of surgery, emphasis on finding ideal candidates |
Conclusion
Nasal ala base resection is a highly effective procedure for improving the appearance of the nose and enhancing facial symmetry. In New York City, the top five hospitals mentioned above - Cangello Plastic Surgery, LM Medical NYC, Mount Sinai Hospital, Monaco MD, and Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki - offer a range of expertise, techniques, and unique features to meet the diverse needs of patients.
If you are considering nasal ala base resection, it is crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon to discuss your goals, understand the procedure, and determine the best approach for you. Each of these hospitals has a team of professionals who can guide you through the process from consultation to recovery.
Take the next step in your journey towards a more refined nose and improved facial harmony. Contact one of these top - rated hospitals in New York City to schedule a consultation and explore your options for nasal ala base resection.
