The nose is the focal point of the face. Therefore, it is very important for surgeons to understand, respect and protect the natural contours of the patient’s face. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. The technique used for any nose contouring procedure will depend on the characteristics and goals of each patient. Our ethnicity determines our physical characteristics and will therefore greatly influence the type of nose reshaping technique that can be performed and best suited to meet the patient’s needs.
In Which Situations is Alarplasty Surgery Used?
The most common requests from alarplasty aesthetic patients include the requests noted below:
- Narrowing the nostrils
- Narrower and more prominent nose bridge
- Nose tip improvement
How is Alarplasty Performed?
Alarplasty is a type of nasal contouring procedure that specifically reshape the nostrils. As many patients are concerned about the width of their nostrils, alarplasty is one of the most commonly requested procedures as it narrows the width of the nostrils. The nostrils, or ‘alar’, do not contain cartilage and are made up of soft tissue instead. The procedure therefore involves the removal of some of this tissue.
Alarplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which a small wedge-shaped piece of nasal soft tissue is removed from the area where the nostril joins the cheek at the base of the alar. The skin is stitched back into a narrower position at the base of the nose. The scars from this procedure are well hidden within the natural wrinkles of the nose.
Recovery after Alarplasty
Because alarplasty does not involve bone or cartilage remodelling and only involves the soft tissues of the nostrils, recovery time is shorter. Patients will have a splint in their nose for the first week after the operation and this will be removed at the doctor’s discretion. Full recovery from surgery generally takes up to two weeks.
Who is the ideal candidate for Alarplasty?
Alarplasty is ideal for candidates who wish to change the appearance of their nostrils and the base of their nose. Large, asymmetrical nostrils, wide nostrils or protruding nostrils can be corrected with alarplasty. Alarplasty is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
What are the possible side effects of Alarplasty?
Possible side effects alarplasty include bruising, bleeding, swelling, asymmetry, numbness, scarring and breathing difficulties.