2026-05-25
Alar Rim Lowering, Columella Correction, and Alar Reduction
A case study of a 20s female patient who underwent alar rim lowering, columella correction, and alar reduction to address excessive nostril exposure and a bulbous tip.
* Basic Information
# Female in her 20s
# Current status and primary concerns: The bridge of the nose is low, the tip is too bulbous, and the nostrils are excessively visible.
* Consultation
# The patient is stressed because her nasal bridge is low and her nostrils are very prominent.
# There are three main factors contributing to excessive nostril exposure in this case: (1) the alar rims (sides of the nostrils) are retracted upward, (2) the columella (the pillar between the nostrils) is sagging downward, and (3) the nostrils themselves are large and flared.
# Therefore, we can effectively reduce the visible size of the nostrils by lowering the alar rims and correcting the sagging columella. Additionally, the outward-flaring nostrils should be narrowed through alar reduction.
* Surgical Plan
# Rhinoplasty (Bridge): Silicone implant
# Nasal Tip: Alar rim lowering, columella plastic surgery, alar reduction
* Post-operative Progress
# You can see that as the bulbous tip was corrected, the nostril exposure significantly decreased.
# When nostrils are too visible, the nose looks short and can create a less-than-ideal impression.
# Visible nostril size must be reduced through an accurate analysis of the underlying causes.
What if your nostrils are too visible? (1) If the alar rims are retracted -> Alar rim lowering (2) If the columella is sagging -> Columella correction (3) If the nostrils are flared -> Alar reduction
Consultations and surgeries should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon!
Take care of both your health and beauty today :)
Right Mind, Right Plastic Surgery – Dr. Yoo Young-moon
Complications and side effects such as bleeding, inflammation, infection, and asymmetry may occur after surgery depending on the individual, and caution is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the nostrils to be overly visible?
There are three main factors that cause the nostrils to be overly visible: the alar base being lifted, the columella drooping downwards, or the nostrils themselves being large and flared. One or a combination of these three factors can lead to increased nostril exposure.
What surgical methods are available to reduce nostril exposure?
Surgical methods to reduce nostril exposure include alar rim lowering, columella correction, and alar base reduction. Alar rim lowering can be used if the alar base is lifted, columella correction if the columella is drooping, and alar base reduction if the alar base is flared.
Can a blunt nasal tip also be improved at the same time?
Yes, a blunt nasal tip can be improved at the same time. During nasal tip plasty, a blunt nasal tip can be corrected and nostril size effectively reduced through procedures like alar rim lowering, columella plasty, and alar base reduction, thereby improving the overall nose shape.
Can dorsal augmentation and nasal tip plasty be performed together?
Yes, dorsal augmentation and nasal tip plasty can be performed together. The text suggests a plan to augment a low nasal bridge with a silicone implant and improve the overall nasal line through alar rim lowering, columella plasty, and alar base reduction for the nasal tip.
When can I expect to see changes in nostril size after surgery?
Changes in nostril size after surgery can be observed relatively quickly. The text mentions that in the 1-month post-surgery photos, the blunt nasal tip is corrected and the nostrils are noticeably reduced.