Introduction
Alar base reduction, also known as alarplasty or nostril reduction surgery, is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It aims to enhance the appearance of the nose by reducing the width of the alar base, which can lead to a more balanced and harmonious facial profile. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 doctors in the rankings for alar base reduction in New York City, highlighting their expertise, techniques, and patient satisfaction. But before we dive into the doctors, let's first understand the procedure itself.
What is Alar Base Reduction?
Alar base reduction is a surgical procedure designed to modify the size and shape of the nostrils. The goal is to adjust the width of the nose's bottom part, creating better nasal symmetry and facial harmony. It is a common surgery for people who are uncomfortable or unhappy with the shape and size of their nostrils. The procedure is typically performed by making an incision at the base of the nostrils, removing excess tissue, and then reshaping the area to reduce the nostril size.
Benefits of Alar Base Reduction
- Improved Appearance: One of the primary benefits of alar base reduction is an improved appearance. By reducing the width of the nostrils, the nose appears smaller and more in proportion with the rest of the face. This can enhance facial symmetry and create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing look.
- Boosted Confidence: Many patients who undergo alar base reduction report an increase in self - confidence. A more attractive nose can have a positive impact on how individuals feel about their appearance, leading to greater self - esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
- Minimal Scarring: Skilled surgeons are able to make incisions in the natural creases of the nose, resulting in minimal scarring. In many cases, the scars are virtually invisible or well - hidden, especially as they heal over time.
- Functional Improvement: In some cases, alar base reduction can also improve nasal function. For example, if wide nostrils are causing nasal blockage, the procedure may help to improve breathing by addressing these structural issues.
Ideal Candidates for Alar Base Reduction
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for alar base reduction. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health to undergo the surgical procedure. This includes being free from major medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications.
- Non - smoker: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Therefore, non - smokers are preferred candidates for alar base reduction.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. While alar base reduction can significantly improve the appearance of the nose, it is important to understand that it may not achieve perfection or completely change one's facial features.
- Recovered from Previous Nose Surgeries: If a patient has had previous surgeries in the nose area, they should have fully recovered before considering alar base reduction.
Top 5 Doctors for Alar Base Reduction in New York City
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is a surgeon specially trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty. He offers alar base reduction in New York City and has helped many patients achieve nasal symmetry through this procedure.
Technique
During alarplasty, Dr. Lisiecki will first numb the area under operation using an anesthetic. The entire procedure takes about one hour. Once the nose is numb, he makes an incision to remove tissue where the nostril and the cheek meet. The incision shape depends on the desired results. After removing a wedge of the nostril, he brings the nostrils inwards to create improved balance with the face. The doctor then sews up the incision and repeats the procedure on the other side of the nose. In some cases, he may combine several techniques to yield more satisfying results.
Patient Selection
Dr. Lisiecki believes that it is crucial to select the right patients for alar base reduction. He looks for patients who are in perfect health, non - smokers, have fully recovered from previous nose surgeries, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. He also takes into account the patient's past cosmetic procedures, current and past health conditions, and the current shape of the nostrils.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the surgery, Dr. Lisiecki closes the incision with sutures, which take about 7 - 10 days to be removed. Patients may experience redness, swelling, and bruising, and the swelling can last up to a few weeks. He advises patients to keep the area clean, follow post - surgery instructions, elevate their head to reduce swelling, avoid alcohol for at least two weeks after the surgery, and avoid sleeping on their face to quicken the recovery process.
Dr. Cangello
Dr. Cangello is NYC’s preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon. He offers customized treatment plans for nasal base reduction and has a reputation for creating noses that are both functionally superior and cosmetically beautiful.
Technique
Dr. Cangello has several surgical techniques for nasal base reduction, which can be used alone or in combination:
- Alar Wedge Excision: Also known as the weir incision, this is the preferred technique for minimizing excessively flared alae to reduce a wide nasal base from the frontal appearance. It removes wedge - shaped pieces of tissue from the nasal flare and spares an incision in the nostrils, preserving the natural curvature of the alae.
- Nasal Sill Excision: This technique is typically used in the correction of enlarged nasal sill width along with excessive flare in the alae. It directly narrows the sill when the alar base is wide due to a large nasal sill.
- 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 will leave a scar on the face and is rarely performed.
Patient Selection
He selects candidates who have concerns with the excessive width of the base of their nose. He carefully evaluates each patient's unique nasal anatomy to determine the most appropriate surgical technique that will enhance the appearance of the nose while still retaining the individual, racial, and ethnic characteristics unique to the patient.
Recovery and Aftercare
Nasal base reduction by Dr. Cangello is a fairly common procedure with minimal risks when working with an experienced surgeon. If performed alone, it can be done under local anesthesia. The recovery time is roughly one to two weeks. Patients can expect the base of their nose to be slightly swollen and red immediately following surgery, but this will subside gradually. Any stitches are typically removed one week after surgery, and full recovery takes approximately one month. He advises patients to be careful not to rub or bump the nose for one month following surgery.
Dr. Sam Rizk
Dr. Sam Rizk is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty and is known for his work in alar base reduction, especially in ethnic rhinoplasty.
Technique
During the procedure, Dr. Rizk makes small incisions at the base of each nostril. He then removes excess tissue and cartilage and reshapes the nostrils to make them more symmetrical. He may also trim away excess tissue from the alar grooves or perform a sill excision to reduce the distance between the two nostrils. He has innovated the use of a special suture that narrows the base of the nose and goes under the skin from nostril to nostril in the area under the nose. This suture can be used alone or in combination with a weir excision.
Patient Selection
Dr. Rizk is very conservative with nostril reductions. He determines if a patient is an appropriate candidate by looking at factors such as the size, shape, position, and overall length of the nose. He uses an imaginary vertical line dropped from the inner part of the eye to determine if the nostrils are flaring. If the nose does not lie within this line, a nostril reduction may be performed. He also takes into account the patient's overall health and any previous nasal surgeries.
Recovery and Aftercare
Dr. Rizk removes the sutures around the nostril at the same time as the cast from the rhinoplasty is removed, one week after surgery. He uses removal stitches rather than dissolvable ones to promote better healing results. He advises patients to follow a proper aftercare routine to ensure a smooth recovery.
Dr. Saman
Dr. Saman's clinic is dedicated to providing high - standard care in alar base reduction surgery. His approach focuses on minimal invasiveness for maximum aesthetic enhancement.
Technique
Dr. Saman performs alar base reduction by making a small incision at the base of the nostrils, often in the nasal crease for minimal visibility of scars. He removes a specific amount of soft tissue and nostril tissue and reshapes the area to reduce the nostril size. The incisions are then closed with sutures. The surgical plan is tailored to meet the individual's aesthetic goals and to correct any unwanted flair or wider nostrils.
Patient Selection
He looks for potential candidates who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Ideal candidates understand the goals of the surgery, have specific desires regarding the reduction of nostril size or nose width, and are in good health. He has detailed consultations with patients to evaluate their health conditions and discuss realistic expectations.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery period following alarplasty with Dr. Saman typically spans 1 - 2 weeks for the initial healing. Patients can usually resume normal activities a week after surgery, but should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for a few weeks. The full recovery process may take up to 1 - 3 months. He also discusses potential risks with patients during the consultation.
Dr. Joseph Rousso
Dr. Joseph Rousso specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, including alar base or nostril reduction. His focus on artistic form and the needed function of the nose creates a balanced approach to his procedures.
Technique
Using advanced techniques and his own proprietary rhinoplasty method, 3 - dreams, Dr. Rousso can minimize the width and size of the nostrils while retaining symmetry and balance of the aesthetic features. The results look natural, without any noticeable scarring. He understands the importance of a subtle reduction to avoid over - doing the procedure and causing nasal valve obstructions or other problems.
Patient Selection
He selects patients who are concerned that their nostrils appear too wide and want to explore alar base reduction surgery. He takes into account the patient's ethnic background and the need to retain the symmetry and ethnic shape of the nose during the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
Dr. Rousso provides detailed aftercare instructions to his patients to ensure a smooth recovery. While specific recovery details are not as extensively documented as some other doctors, he emphasizes the importance of following his guidance to achieve the best results.
Comparison of the Top 5 Doctors
Doctor | Technique Highlights | Patient Selection Criteria | Recovery Period | Unique Selling Points |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki | Standard incision at nostril - cheek junction, may combine techniques | Good health, non - smoker, recovered from previous nose surgeries, realistic expectations | 7 - 10 days for suture removal, swelling up to a few weeks, resume normal activities in 3 weeks | Trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty, focuses on overall nasal symmetry |
Dr. Cangello | Alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, V - Y advancement | Concerns with excessive nasal base width, evaluation of unique nasal anatomy | 1 - 2 weeks for initial recovery, 1 month for full recovery | Preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon, creates functionally and cosmetically superior noses |
Dr. Sam Rizk | Small nostril base incisions, special suture technique, may combine with weir excision | Use of imaginary vertical line for assessment, overall health and previous surgeries considered | 1 week for suture removal | Double - board - certified, expert in ethnic rhinoplasty |
Dr. Saman | Small incision in nasal crease, tailored to individual aesthetic goals | Realistic expectations, good health, specific desires for nostril reduction | 1 - 2 weeks for initial healing, 1 - 3 months for full recovery | Focus on minimal invasiveness for aesthetic enhancement |
Dr. Joseph Rousso | Advanced 3 - dreams method, retains symmetry and ethnic shape | Concerns about wide nostrils, consideration of ethnic background | Detailed aftercare for smooth recovery (specifics not fully detailed) | Balanced approach between form and function, natural - looking results |
Preparing for Alar Base Reduction Surgery
Regardless of which doctor you choose for your alar base reduction surgery, proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome. Here are some general steps to take:
Medical Evaluation
Your doctor will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to assess your overall health. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and a review of your medical history. It is important to disclose any pre - existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
Lifestyle Changes
You should stop taking alcohol, smoking vapes or cigarettes, and taking blood - thinning medications such as aspirin and Advil at least two weeks before the operation. These substances can prolong swelling or increase bleeding during and after the surgery.
Arrange Support
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may also need help with daily activities during the initial recovery period.
Prepare Your Home
Make sure your home is comfortable and ready for your recovery. Stock up on essential supplies such as pain medications (prescribed by your doctor), ice packs, and soft foods.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after alar base reduction surgery can vary from patient to patient, but there are some common stages and tips to keep in mind:
Immediate Post - Surgery
After the surgery, you may experience redness, swelling, and bruising around the nose. You will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort. It is important to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. You may also have a nasal splint or dressing in place to support the nose during the initial healing phase.
First Week
Most patients have their sutures removed within the first 7 - 10 days. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities and exercise. You may still have some swelling, but it will gradually start to subside. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding wound care, such as keeping the area clean and dry.
Weeks 2 - 3
Swelling will continue to improve, and you may start to notice the initial results of the surgery. You can usually resume normal activities, but avoid activities that could put pressure on the nose. Some patients may still experience mild bruising at this stage.
Full Recovery
Full recovery can take several weeks to a few months. During this time, the final results of the surgery will become more apparent. It is important to be patient and continue to follow your doctor's aftercare instructions.