Introduction
Nostril reduction plastic surgery has gained significant popularity in New York City. Many individuals are self - conscious about their large or prominent nostrils, which can cause an imbalance in the overall appearance of the facial features. This guide will explore the various aspects of nostril reduction plastic surgery in New York City, including what it entails, who is a suitable candidate, the available procedures, and top hospitals and surgeons.
What is Nostril Reduction Plastic Surgery?
Nostril reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to create better symmetry for the nose and an improved balance of the facial features. It involves removing tissue in strategic locations at the base of the nose to improve symmetry and narrow the nose. This can be performed in combination with other nasal cosmetic or functional procedures, such as a rhinoplasty, or as an isolated procedure. When done as a standalone procedure, it can often be carried out under local anesthesia in an office setting with minimal risk.
Ethnic variations exist in nasal aesthetics, and these need to be considered during nostril reduction. For example, some ethnic noses naturally have wider nostrils, and any reduction should be done in a way that retains the unique ethnic shape and symmetry.
Anatomy Relevant to Nostril Reduction
- Ala: The alar lobule is the convexity that connects with the cheek at the alar - facial junction. It is composed of skin, fibrofatty fascia, and muscle (not cartilage) and helps define the lateral aspect of the nostril opening.
- Alar Rim: It connects the nasal tip lobule to the alar lobule and is primarily composed of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages. The shape and strength of this cartilage help define the nostril opening.
- Columella: It is the central partition of the nasal base, separating the nostrils. Composed of skin, membranous septum (cartilaginous septum further inside the nose), and the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilages, it defines the medial (inner) aspect of the nostril opening.
- Nasal Sill: The inferior (lower) aspect of the nostril opening, it is a soft tissue prominence that helps define the natural border between the upper lip and the nose.
Types of Nostril Reduction Procedures
Procedure Type | Description | Usage |
---|---|---|
Alar Wedge Excision (Modified Weir Incision) | Used for excessive flaring of the ala. A wedge - shaped piece of tissue is removed from the nasal flare, avoiding an incision in the nostrils. The goal is to preserve the natural curvature of the ala and avoid creating too straight an ala. | When the nose appears wide on frontal view due to excessive ala flaring. |
Nasal Sill Excision | Used for correction of the excessive flare with enlarged nasal sill width. The nasal sill is directly narrowed. | When the nostril opening is wider than it is tall and there is excessive nasal sill width. |
V to Y Advancement | The alar insertion is repositioned. A wedge incision is made, and the alar insertion is moved with a v - y advancement. The stem of the “y” is aligned with the nasolabial fold. | When the lateral insertion of the ala is responsible for enlarged nasal base width. |
Who is a Good Candidate for Nostril Reduction?
A good candidate for nostril reduction usually has at least one of the following characteristics:
- Alar Flaring: The lateral aspect of the ala extends significantly beyond the alar - facial groove.
- Wide Inter - Ala Distance: The distance between the ala is greater than the distance between the inner corners of the eyes (intercanthal distance).
- Asymmetry: There is an imbalance in the appearance of the nostrils or the nose as a whole.
- Wide Nasal Base: The base of the nose appears overly wide, creating an imbalance with the rest of the facial features.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Nostril Reduction
City Facial Plastics
Located in Manhattan, City Facial Plastics offers nostril or alar base reductions to balance the nose. Dr. Gary Linkov, a top - rated plastic surgeon in New York City, is the key professional at this facility. He has extensive experience in nasal surgery and understands the intricacies of changing the appearance of the nose. Dr. Linkov is also the chief of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery for the veterans hospital in Brooklyn, where he operates on complex nasal deformities of veterans.
Office of Dr. Joseph Rousso
Dr. Rousso specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, including alar base or nostril reduction. He has the education, training, and expertise in rhinoplasty. Using advanced techniques and his own proprietary rhinoplasty method, 3 - dreams, he can minimize the width and size of the nostrils while retaining symmetry and balance of the aesthetic features. The results of his procedures look natural, without any noticeable scarring.
LM Medical NYC
With locations in Greenwich Village and the upper east side, LM Medical NYC offers nostril reduction surgery and alar base reduction. Dr. Lesley Rabach, a top double - board certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in rhinoplasty and cosmetic nose surgery. Small, discreet incisions are 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.
Dr. Michelle Yagoda's Office
Dr. Yagoda is an expert in natural rhinoplasty and firmly believes in fine - tuning while embracing the signs of heritage and ethnicity. She performs a modified weir excision or alar base reduction to make nostrils narrower. During the comprehensive rhinoplasty consultation, she tailors a plan to achieve the patient's aesthetic goals. The procedure can be performed in her office - based surgical facility or in a NYC hospital, under local anesthetic with IV sedation or under general anesthesia.
Dr. Cangello's Clinic
Dr. Cangello is NYC’s preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon. He offers customized treatment plans for nasal base reduction. He evaluates each patient’s unique nasal anatomy to determine the best surgical technique that will improve the appearance of the nose, enhance functionality, and retain the individual, racial, and ethnic characteristics. The three common surgical techniques he uses alone or in combination are alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, and v - y advancement.
Dr. Saman's Clinic
Dr. Saman’s clinic is dedicated to providing high - standard alar base reduction surgery. The approach focuses on minimal invasiveness for maximum aesthetic enhancement. His nostril reduction procedure can be seamlessly integrated with other types of nose surgery, like rhinoplasty surgery, for a comprehensive facial transformation. Dr. Saman also offers various types of rhinoplasty, including scarless rhinoplasty, ultrasonic rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, asian rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty.
Dr. Moustafa Mourad
A distinguished New York City - based facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Moustafa Mourad is renowned for his expertise in various rhinoplasty procedures. The rhinoplasty procedures he offers include teenage rhinoplasty, primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, and male rhinoplasty. His commitment to excellence and personalized care has earned him a reputation as a top specialist in facial plastic surgery.
Preparing for Nostril Reduction Surgery
To ensure the best results, there are several steps patients should take before their nostril reduction surgery:
- Medication and Supplement Avoidance: Avoid certain medications and supplements that may thin the blood, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen), aspirin, and vitamin E.
- Smoking Cessation: Stop smoking as tobacco products can decrease blood flow to the skin and compromise the healing of the surgical site.
- Medication Pick - up: Pick up prescribed medications at the pharmacy, which may include an antibiotic, pain medication, and an optional sedative medication.
- Identify an Escort: Arrange for someone to accompany you home if you receive sedative medication during the surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure
On the day of the surgery, at most New York City facilities, patients are advised not to eat or drink 2 hours before the procedure. They will take the prescribed medications in the office just before surgery. Since nostril reduction rhinoplasty is often performed under local anesthesia, discomfort during the procedure is minimal. The entire process, including checking in, marking the surgical sites, anesthesia injections, surgery, and recovery, usually takes about 3 hours.
Recovery from Nostril Reduction
Most people recover well after nostril reduction surgery. It is normal to experience bruising and swelling, which typically resolve within 1 - 2 weeks after surgery, although swelling may linger for longer. Sutures are removed at 5 - 7 days. Over the following weeks to months, the incision site will continue to heal and mature, and the final results are usually visible at about 6 months - 1 year post - operatively. In case of unfavorable scarring, treatments with steroids, laser, dermabrasion, or surgical revision may be needed.
Risks and Complications of Nostril Reduction
Like any surgical procedure, nostril reduction has associated risks and complications, which include:
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional treatment.
- Infection: The surgical site can become infected, which may lead to delays in healing and additional medical treatment.
- Poor Scarring: The incisions may result in visible or uneven scars, which may require further treatment to improve their appearance.
- Poor Aesthetic Outcome: The final result may not meet the patient's expectations, either in terms of the size of the nostrils or the overall balance of the nose.
- Asymmetry: There may be an imbalance in the appearance of the nostrils after the surgery.
- Nasal Obstruction: Over - correction can lead to nasal obstruction, affecting breathing.
- “Q” or “Teardrop” Deformity: This can occur when the nasal sill is entered at its most lateral extent.
- Lip Malposition: There is a risk of the lips being affected in terms of their position or movement.
Alternatives to Nostril Reduction Surgery
Rhinoplasty
When the nasal tip is weak, the nasal base tends to widen. In such cases, a septorhinoplasty procedure that strengthens the nasal tip may be a more appropriate option. As the nasal tip becomes more projected, the nasal base tends to narrow, which may achieve the intended goals of a nostril reduction surgery without additional incisions. This can also improve nasal breathing in addition to the cosmetic appearance.
Fillers
A study published in 2016 found that hyaluronic acid - based filler could be used for the treatment goal of alar base narrowing and/or nostril shape alteration. However, only 22 - 45% of patients attained satisfactory results, so fillers are not the preferred method for nostril reduction.
Cost of Nostril Reduction
The cost of nostril reduction depends on several factors:
- Surgeon's Experience: Experienced and well - qualified rhinoplasty surgeons typically charge higher fees due to their extensive training and successful track records.
- Geographic Location: In metropolitan areas like New York City, prices are generally higher because of the higher cost of living and greater demand for cosmetic procedures.
- Facility and Anesthesia Fees: The type of facility (hospital or private surgical suite) and the type of anesthesia used (general or local) can impact the overall cost.
- Post - operative Care and Medications: This includes follow - up visits, pain medication, antibiotics, and other aftercare products.
- Complexity of the Procedure: If the surgery requires extensive work on the cartilage, addresses breathing issues, or is combined with other types of rhinoplasty, the price may increase.
On average, patients in NYC can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for alarplasty (nostril reduction). However, complex cases can be more expensive.
Insurance Coverage
Alarplasty surgery is often classified as a cosmetic procedure, so most health insurance plans do not cover the cost. However, if the surgery is performed to correct functional issues, such as breathing difficulties due to nasal obstructions, some insurance providers might cover a portion of the costs. It is essential to check with your insurance company to understand the specifics of your plan.
Financing Options
Given the high cost of nostril reduction surgery, many patients explore financing options. Some clinics offer payment plans or work with third - party financing companies to provide loans specifically for cosmetic procedures. It is important to discuss these options during your consultation to find a plan that fits your budget.
Conclusion
Nostril reduction plastic surgery in New York City can be a life - changing procedure for those who are self - conscious about their large or prominent nostrils. With a variety of experienced surgeons and advanced techniques available, patients have the opportunity to achieve better nasal symmetry and a more balanced facial appearance. However, it is crucial to thoroughly research the procedure, understand the risks and costs, and choose a qualified surgeon.
If you are considering nostril reduction surgery, take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons in New York City. Share your concerns and goals, and let the experts guide you through the process to achieve the best possible results. Remember, this is an important decision that can enhance your self - confidence and overall well - being.