Alar base

The alar base is the lower outer portion of the nose where the nostrils meet the cheeks and upper lip. Its width, shape, and symmetry influence how the nose looks from the front and from below. During a rhinoplasty evaluation, the surgeon looks at the distance between the nostril bases, the amount of alar flare, the shape of each nostril, and how the base relates to the rest of the face.

A wide alar base does not always need to be changed, and there is no single measurement that is right for every patient. Facial width, ethnicity, lip shape, tip projection, and personal goals all matter. In some cases, the base appears wide because the nostrils flare outward. In others, the nostril sill or the position of the alae contributes more to the overall width.

When alar base adjustment is appropriate, treatment may involve removing a small amount of tissue at the nostril crease or sill, repositioning the base, or adding support when the nostril rim is weak or retracted. These changes must be conservative because overnarrowing can make the nose look pinched, create visible asymmetry, or affect airflow through the nostrils.

For patients considering rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, understanding the alar base can help clarify how nostril width and shape affect the overall result. Dr. Richard Zoumalan evaluates the nose from multiple angles and considers facial proportions, airway function, and scar placement before recommending any change to the alar base.