You may be familiar with rhinoplasty, a surgery that adjusts the shape and structure of the nose. However, as a more area-focused procedure, alarplasty only targets the outer edges of the nostrils (the alar), addressing concerns about nostril size and shape without altering the rest of the nose.
Sometimes, not all of the nose will need to be surgically addressed to achieve your desired results. If you are only concerned about the alar, taking a more specific approach with alarplasty may be the right choice for you.
Read on to learn more about alarplasty surgery and see if it may be suited to your needs! If you want to book a consultation and get personalised advice, you are welcome to contact our team and organise a consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney.
Why would I seek an alarplasty?
Patients might seek alarplasty surgery for a variety of reasons, including addressing broad, flaring, or asymmetrical nostrils.
The procedure can also improve breathing if the nasal passage is obstructed, potentially in conjunction with a septoplasty.
Alarplasty can make a difference to the overall symmetry of the nose and face, create narrower nostrils, define the nose tip, or correct issues from a previous rhinoplasty.
Compared to other nose surgeries, alarplasty is generally less invasive, with incisions healing within weeks, unlike the longer recovery associated with open rhinoplasty procedures.
As a less invasive alternative to extensive nose surgeries, alarplasty focuses on modifying the nostril rims to achieve subtle yet significant changes. Even though the procedure only focuses on the nostrils, alarplasty can still make a noticeable difference to the appearance of the nose.
How is alarplasty performed?
Dr Hunt typically performs alarplasty and other nose surgeries under general anaesthesia in a hospital setting, with the possibility of an overnight stay, if needed.
Before the procedure, Dr Hunt will thoroughly discuss the expected outcomes and results, ensuring that you understand what the procedure will involve. He may also use a pen to mark the incision lines on your nose to give you a visual of the surgical plan.
During the surgery, Dr Hunt will make a small incision in your nose to remove the excess skin. The shape of the incision is customised to each patient, depending on the nostrils’ geometry.
Sutures will be used to reinforce the new shape of the alar once the incision is made, and the resulting scar is usually concealed within the natural crease of the nose. Finally, a bandage will be applied to protect the area.
Alarplasty is often performed on its own, but can also be combined with other facial surgeries. For example, it can be part of a rhinoplasty or performed in combination with a facelift. However, its standalone nature allows for a shorter recovery period compared to more extensive surgical procedures.
What does recovery involve?
Recovery from alarplasty, while generally straightforward, does require some patience and care.
One of the advantages of alarplasty is the specificity of its focus. Since it does not involve changes to the nasal bones or the internal structures of the nose, it may be associated with fewer risks and complications compared to full rhinoplasty procedures. That said, like any surgical procedure, it’s still important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully.
In the days after alar reduction surgery, you may experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling, which will usually peak by the third day before beginning to diminish. It’s normal to experience slight bleeding at the incision sites, which usually resolves within two to three days.
You can typically return to normal activities within a few days, and any non-dissolvable stitches will be removed after the first week. A small crease may form where the nostril meets the cheek, but with scar care, this should fade over time.
While full recovery from alarplasty spans one to three months, the absence of bone contouring, unlike in full rhinoplasty, means less intense pain, bruising, and swelling, leading to a quicker recovery. Most patients resume work a week after surgery, with a general recovery timeline of about two weeks.
To support your body’s healing, maintain a healthy, balanced diet and avoid nicotine products. You may also be asked to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and excessive heat exposure until the area has sufficiently healed. These practices can support your recovery, and overall results. Following a proper skincare regimen will also be important – Dr Hunt can discuss this with you during your consultation!
Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Hunt: Alarplasty Procedures in Sydney
The decision to undergo alarplasty is highly personal and should be made with thorough consideration during a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Jeremy Hunt will discuss what you would like to change about your nose, assess any breathing difficulties, and realistically discuss your options.
If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, please contact our team!
