Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Dear Dr. Lam,
I'd be interested in having alar base reduction. Being of Asian descent I have thick alae and a wide alar base. Could you tell me some things : is it possible to retain the same nostril shape? does it leave a scar? what method do you use? and how much does it cost?
Thank you,
Dan

I'd be interested in having alar base reduction. Being of Asian descent I have thick alae and a wide alar base. Could you tell me some things : is it possible to retain the same nostril shape? NOT PRECISELY. IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR OBJECTIVES ARE. does it leave a scar? YES. THAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM THAT YOU MUST KNOW IN ADVANCE. what method do you use? FOR A REDUCTION OF NASAL WIDTH, I USE A NASAL SILL REDUCTION BUT THAT CAN MAKE THE NOSTRIL SHAPE ROUNDER. I USE A SHEEN FLAP TO REDUCE THE OUTER CURVATURE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:
http://www.lamfacialplastics.com/galler ... y.flv.html
THE REAL PROBLEM (I THINK I HAVE THIS IN THE VIDEO) IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TIP AND SIDES. IF THE TIP IS BROAD AND THE SIDES ARE REDUCED THE TIP CAN LOOK BROADER. THAT IS WHY I FOCUS PRINCIPALLY ON THE TIP RATHER THAN THE SIDES TO CREATE BETTER BALANCE.
and how much does it cost?
AS MENTIONED ABOVE, I TEND TO PERFORM TIP AND SIDES TOGETHER TO GET THE BEST RESULT, THE COST IS A NORMAL RHINOPLASTY COST EXCEPT IN RARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE AN ALAR BASE IN ISOLATION WOULD BE MERITED. IF YOU WANT THE COST FOR MY RHINOPLASTY, CALL 972-312-8188. I HAVE BEEN ASKED NOT TO POST PRICES ON HERE. SORRY.
BEST,
SML

By "it leaves a scar", do you mean a permanent visible scar, for life, or something that would last a few months?

permanent visible scar for life no matter what technique you use. the goal is to make it as little visible as possible. anytime you cut on the outside no matter how good the closure is it does not look 100% perfect. you must know that before doing it. the incision between the nostrils, in contrast, heals almost perfectly. you would have a hard time seeing it unless close up. that is why without proper counseling i do not do alar base reductions.
best,
sml

And is the incision between the nostrils you mention effective? What is it called? Do you know of any web site that shows examples of scarring in that area just so I could see what it really looks like?
thx

a nasal sill reduction. the scarring for that is not bad. the only negative is that it can further round the shape of the nose. i would have to see your nose to determine if you are a candidate for it. i do not know of any photos out there. i do have some in published articles but that are only meant for professional circles not for internet usage and i could show you in my office only.