Can the size of nostrils be reduced with surgery?

Question: I would like to have my nostrils reduced in size, how is this done? Do you remove a skin and tissue? Does this require an external incision?

Answer: Having your nostrils reduced in size is a very common concern. This is commonly called alar base reduction, and the incisions are sometimes called Weir's incisions. This procedure is done in a variety of ways. The goal of the procedure is to remove some tissue in the nostril region to narrow it in the most natural way. Tissue can either be taken from the sides or from the bottom of the nostrils and the nostril sill. The technique is very important because if this is not done correctly there can be unsightly scars. Even in the best of hands, the result may occasionally not be what the patient hopes for. It is very important to make sure that the facial plastic surgeon who performs this procedure is experienced in the technique. It is also very important that the facial plastic surgeon understands facial analysis and aesthetics to make sure that the amount of narrowing is appropriate to the face. Too much narrowing of the nose or an asymmetrical shape in the narrowing between the nostrils may lead to an unsatisfactory result. In order to perform this procedure incisions are required, which is why it is very important to make sure the surgeon has experience to make sure that the incision is placed in a way that is hidden. However it should be mentioned that whenever an incision is made, a scar will result. The goal of the experienced surgeon is making sure that the scar is as favorable as possible and is as hard to see as possible. In summary, alar base reduction is a procedure which in experienced hands can result in good results and improve nasal aesthetics.