The top 5 doctors for alar base reduction in New York City

Introduction

Alar base reduction is a sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. This surgical intervention is aimed at refining the size and shape of the nostrils, improving facial symmetry, and boosting patients' self - confidence. With numerous doctors offering this service, finding the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll present the top 5 doctors for alar base reduction in New York City, along with an in - depth understanding of the procedure, its benefits, risks, and recovery process.

The top 5 doctors for alar base reduction in New York City are announced!

Understanding Alar Base Reduction

What is Alar Base Reduction?

Alar base reduction, also known as alarplasty, is a type of rhinoplasty technique. The alar base is the area at the entrance to the nose, and when it is excessively wide, it can cause the nostrils to flare. The procedure is intended to narrow the alar base, making the nose appear more balanced and in harmony with the rest of the face. It can be performed alone or as part of a more comprehensive rhinoplasty procedure (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025).

Benefits of Alar Base Reduction

Improved Appearance: It refines and enhances the overall look of the nose, making it more proportionate to the face. A nose that was previously perceived as too wide or bottom - heavy can be transformed into a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Facial Symmetry and Balance: By narrowing the alar base, the procedure helps to create a more symmetrical and balanced facial profile. This can have a significant impact on a person's overall appearance and self - image.
Enhanced Self - Confidence: For many patients, having a nose that they are satisfied with can lead to increased self - confidence. They may feel more comfortable in social situations and have a more positive outlook on life.
Reduced Nostril Flare and Size: The procedure effectively decreases the size of the nostrils and reduces flare, which can be especially beneficial for those with genetic wide nostrils or those who have experienced issues due to previous rhinoplasty or aging.

Anatomy Involved

To understand alar base reduction, it's essential to have some knowledge of nasal anatomy. The nostrils are separated by the columella, a vertical structure in the center of the nose. The nasal sill extends from the bottom of the columella to the alar base insertion. The anterior nasal spine, lower lateral cartilages, caudal septum, maxilla, upper lip, and the soft tissue and skin around the nose all contribute to the appearance and width of the nasal base. Surgeons need to carefully evaluate a patient's unique nasal anatomy to determine the most suitable surgical technique (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021).

Top 5 Doctors for Alar Base Reduction in New York City

Dr. Sam Rizk

Experience and Qualifications

Dr. Sam Rizk is double - board certified in facial plastic surgery. He has had extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty at some of New York's best hospitals, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York Hospital, and Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. He has also specialized in ethnic rhinoplasty and has experience performing difficult adjustments in cancer patients after cancer removal. In 2025, he was voted by his peers as a top doctor for the 21st consecutive year and was featured in Town & Country magazine as one of the masters of the subtle lift and tweak (Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025).

Techniques and Approach

Dr. Rizk is well - known for his conservative approach to alar base reduction. He determines the necessity of the reduction based on an imaginary vertical line dropped from the inner part of the eye. He uses a modified type of weir excision with an internal incision, rotating the nostril to make it narrower without a visible scar. He also innovates the use of a special suture that goes under the skin from nostril to nostril in the area under the nose, either alone or in combination with a weir excision. He can also combine different techniques, such as alar base reduction and sill excision, based on the patient's individual needs (Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025).

Patient Reviews

Patients often praise Dr. Rizk for his attention to detail, artistic vision, and ability to achieve natural - looking results. His patients appreciate his thorough consultations and the personalized treatment plans he creates. His expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty is also highly valued by patients from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki

Experience and Qualifications

Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is a surgeon specially trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty. He offers alar base reduction in New York City and has in - depth knowledge of the nuances of this procedure. He understands that each patient's nose is unique, and he tailors the treatment to meet the specific goals and needs of individual patients (Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, 2021).

Techniques and Approach

During alarplasty, Dr. Lisiecki numbs the area under operation using an anesthetic. He makes an incision to remove tissue where the nostril and the cheek meet, and the incision shape depends on the desired results. He then removes a wedge of the nostril and brings the nostrils inwards to create improved balance with the face. He may combine several techniques if he believes it will yield more satisfying results. The procedure can be performed alone or as part of a more comprehensive modern rhinoplasty procedure (Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, 2021).

Patient Reviews

Patients find Dr. Lisiecki to be professional, caring, and approachable. They are satisfied with the minimal scarring and natural - looking results achieved through his alar base reduction procedures. His patients also appreciate his guidance throughout the pre - operative and post - operative processes.

Dr. Cangello

Experience and Qualifications

Dr. Cangello is NYC's preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon. He has spent decades honing his expansive skill in the nuanced medical field of rhinoplasty. He is renowned for his ability to create noses that are both functionally superior and cosmetically beautiful. He offers patients customized treatment plans, taking into account each patient's unique nasal anatomy and aesthetic goals (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021).

Techniques and Approach

Dr. Cangello evaluates each patient's unique nasal anatomy to determine the surgical technique that will best achieve an improvement in the appearance of the nose and enhance functionality while still retaining the individual, racial, and ethnic characteristics unique to that patient. He typically uses three surgical techniques alone or in combination: alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, and V - Y advancement. The alar wedge excision is preferred for minimizing excessively flared ala, the nasal sill excision is used for correcting enlarged nasal sill width along with excessive flare, and the V - Y advancement is used to reposition the alar insertion in certain cases (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021).

Patient Reviews

Patients commend Dr. Cangello for his expertise and the high - quality results of his alar base reduction surgeries. They appreciate his ability to understand their concerns and achieve the desired aesthetic outcomes while maintaining nasal functionality. His reputation for excellence in the field of rhinoplasty is well - reflected in the positive feedback from his patients.

Dr. Gary Linkov

Experience and Qualifications

Dr. Gary Linkov is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York, specializing in nasal surgery. He is the chief of otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery for the veterans hospital in Brooklyn, NY, where he operates on complex nasal deformities. His private practice in Manhattan focuses on cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, as well as nostril reduction surgery (City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Techniques and Approach

Dr. Linkov performs alar base reduction by making a small incision on the outside crease of the nostril and removing a small wedge on either side of the alar base to reduce a wide nose. He also considers different types of nostril reduction, such as alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, and V - to - Y advancement, and combines them in various configurations to create the ideal aesthetics. He uses local anesthesia, reducing the downtime after the procedure (City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Patient Reviews

Patients speak highly of Dr. Linkov's professional demeanor, technical skills, and detailed knowledge of nasal surgery. They are satisfied with the balanced and natural - appearing results of their alar base reduction procedures. His patients also appreciate his thorough consultations and the attention he gives to each patient's specific needs.

Dr. Joseph Rousso

Experience and Qualifications

Dr. Joseph Rousso has the education, training, and expertise in rhinoplasty. He focuses on both the artistic form and the necessary function of the nose, creating a balanced approach to his procedures. He uses advanced techniques and his own proprietary rhinoplasty method, 3 - dreams, for alar base or nostril reduction (Facial Plastic Surgery - NYC, 2021).

Techniques and Approach

Dr. Rousso's approach is centered around minimizing the width and size of the nostrils while retaining symmetry and balance of the aesthetic features. His methods ensure that the results look natural and without any noticeable scarring. He understands the importance of a subtle reduction to maintain the ethnic shape and symmetry of the nose (Facial Plastic Surgery - NYC, 2021).

Patient Reviews

Patients are impressed with Dr. Rousso's ability to create a well - balanced nose. They appreciate his personalized approach and the care he takes to understand their goals. His patients report feeling more confident in their appearance after undergoing alar base reduction with him.

Comparing the Top 5 Doctors

Doctor	Experience and Specialties	Techniques Used	Patient Reviews Highlights
Dr. Sam Rizk	Double - board certified in facial plastic surgery, extensive training at top NY hospitals, specialized in ethnic rhinoplasty, voted top doctor in 2025 for 21st consecutive year	Modified weir excision with internal incision, special suture technique, combination of alar base reduction and sill excision	Attention to detail, artistic vision, natural - looking results, personalized treatment
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki	Trained in facial aesthetic and rhinoplasty, focuses on individualized treatment	Incision at nostril - cheek junction, removal of wedge, possible combination of techniques	Professional, caring, minimal scarring, natural results, good guidance
Dr. Cangello	Preeminent rhinoplasty surgeon, decades of experience, customized treatment plans	Alar wedge excision, nasal sill excision, V - Y advancement	Expertise, functional and cosmetic results, understanding of patient concerns
Dr. Gary Linkov	Board - certified facial plastic surgeon, chief of otolaryngology at veterans hospital, specializes in nasal surgery	Outside crease incision, combination of alar wedge, nasal sill, and V - to - Y advancement	Professional demeanor, technical skills, balanced and natural results
Dr. Joseph Rousso	Expert in rhinoplasty, uses proprietary 3 - dreams method	Minimizing nostril width while maintaining symmetry and natural look	Personalized approach, well - balanced nose, increased patient confidence

Preparing for Alar Base Reduction Surgery

Consultation

The first step in the process is a consultation with your chosen doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate your nasal anatomy, discuss your goals and expectations, and explain the procedure, its risks, and the expected results. They may also take pictures from different angles to assess the areas that need attention (Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025; City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Medical Preparation

You may need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health for the surgery. Your doctor will also advise you to stop taking certain medications and supplements that may thin the blood, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin, and vitamin E. Smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before the surgery, as tobacco products can decrease blood flow to the skin and compromise the healing of the surgical site. You may also be prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, pain medication, and a sedative (optional) (City Facial Plastics, 2021; Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, 2021).

The Alar Base Reduction Procedure

Anesthesia

Alar base reduction can be performed under local anesthesia with or without oral sedation, especially when done as a standalone procedure. General anesthesia may be used in some cases, depending on the patient's preference and the complexity of the surgery (Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025; Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Techniques

Alar Wedge Excision: This is a common technique used to reduce wide nasal base from the frontal appearance. It involves removing wedge - shaped pieces of tissue from the nasal flare, while sparing an incision in the nostrils. It helps to preserve the natural curvature of the ala and avoid over - straightening (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025; City Facial Plastics, 2021).
Nasal Sill Excision: This technique is typically used when there is an enlarged nasal sill width along with excessive flare in the ala. It directly narrows the sill and can be used in combination with other techniques (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; Dr. Sam Rizk, 2025; City Facial Plastics, 2021).
V - Y Advancement: It is used to reposition the alar insertion when the lateral insertion of the ala is responsible for excessive nasal base width. However, this technique may leave a scar on the face and is less commonly performed (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - Operative Period

After the surgery, the base of your nose will be slightly swollen and red. Sutures are typically removed one week after surgery. You may experience bruising, and it is normal to have some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. You should avoid rubbing or bumping the nose for at least one month following the surgery (Cangello Plastic Surgery, 2021; Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, 2021; City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Long - Term Recovery

Most patients can resume their daily routine within a week or two, but strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for a few weeks. Swelling may linger for longer, and it can take up to 6 months to 1 year to see the final results. During this time, the incision site will continue to heal and mature. If the scarring is unfavorable, treatments with steroids, laser, dermabrasion, or surgical revision may be needed (City Facial Plastics, 2021).

Risks and Complications

Although alar base reduction is a fairly common procedure, it is not without risks. These risks can include infection, bleeding, poor scarring, poor aesthetic outcome, asymmetry, nasal obstruction (from over - correction), "q" or "teardrop" deformity (when the nasal sill is entered at its most lateral extent), and lip malposition. However, these risks are generally minimal when the procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon (City Facial Plastics, 2021).