Alarplasty aims to lessen the appearance of nasal flare.

What is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty or Nostril Reduction Surgery is a procedure in which a portion of skin from the wing of the nose is excised.

Often, symmetry of the face depends on the shape of the nose. Alarplasty is a surgical treatment aimed at addressing the symmetry of the nostrils.

Alarplasty, Nostril Reduction, Alar Trimming, and Alar Reduction Surgery are some terms for this procedure. It is a cosmetic procedure that alters the breadth and shape of your nostrils. This technique can be either done as a stand-alone procedure or as part of a Full Rhinoplasty.

Dr Hunt performs Rhinoplasty regularly in Sydney. Because Rhinoplasty and Alarplasty are such complex procedures, always select an experienced plastic surgeon.

How Is Alarplasty Performed?

Dr Hunt will usually perform Alarplasty under general anaesthesia in a hospital. You may stay overnight if required.

• First, Dr Hunt will go through the outcome and expected results with you in detail. He might also use a pen to draw a line around your nose so you can see the incision lines.
• Depending on Dr Hunt’s instructions, you’ll be put under general anaesthesia by the specialist anaesthetist.
• Dr Hunt will incise a small slit in your nose and remove the unwanted skin.
• The incision shape varies from patient to patient depending on the geometry of the nostrils.
• An Alarplasty scar is usually hidden in the crease of the nose.
• Sutures will be used to strengthen the new form of the alar foundation after the incision is done.
• A bandage will be applied to your wound, and you will be given pain medication as well as information on how to avoid infection.
• After the procedure, you’ll have to wear a bandage for several days.

Recovery After Alarplasty

• In the days following your Alar Reduction Surgery, you might experience pain, bruising, and swelling. They will have reached their peak by day three and should start to fade. Minor bleeding from your incisional sites is also common, and it should go away in two to three days.
• Within a few days of the operation, you can resume your normal activities.
• The area where the cheek attaches to the nostril will have a small crease, but with proper scar care, the crease should diminish with time.
• The stitches are usually removed a week following surgery. It takes 1 – 3 months to recover fully after Alarplasty.
• Unlike a Full Rhinoplasty operation, Alar Reduction Surgery does not entail bone contouring. This comparatively reduces pain, bruising, and swelling and also the time it takes to heal completely. The average recovery time is around 2 weeks, with most patients returning to work a week after their surgery.

Alarplasty Aftercare

• You will need a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and support you during your recovery.
• Prepare your recovery area in advance to make it more comfortable.

It’s your responsibility to make the most of your Alarplasty recovery.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, for example, is one of the most effective strategies to speed up healing. Completely avoiding nicotine or vaping products is critical. All of these things can help you recuperate faster after your Alar Base Reduction Surgery. Keeping a proper skincare routine is also important.