Alar surgery is cosmetic plastic surgery that alters the appearance of the nostrils. The goal of the procedure will determine whether the nostrils are to be narrowed or increased. This surgery can be performed for both cosmetic reasons or functional reasons. In many cases, this surgery will make the nose appear more narrow, thereby improving the patient's appearance.
Procedure
Alar surgery involves removing small amounts of tissue around the base of the nostrils. The surgeon measures the amount of skin that is being removed and then stitches it together. The procedure results is a narrower nostril which makes the nose more appealing. The procedure takes between 45 minutes to one hour.
Recovery time
After undergoing alar plasty, you can expect to feel pain and swelling for several days. After this time, you will be able to do most of your regular activities and begin your regular routine. However, some bruising may remain. You will be back to normal in 4 to 6 weeks depending on the circumstances.
Scars
There are a few factors that will affect the scars following an alar plasty procedure. It can be done quickly under local anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision on the alar bone and then carve the smaller nose. The surgeon will then use sutures in order to reinforce the new contour of the alar bone. The wound is then treated with bandage. The patient might be prescribed pain medication and instructed to keep it from getting infected. The patient will be required to wear the bandage for a few more days following the procedure.
Cost
Alar plasty costs vary depending on where it is done and who the surgeon is. The fees range from $3,000 to $8.500 and typically include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia and facility fees. They also cover pre-, post- and after-operative appointments as well as blood work. These costs will depend on the patient's medical history and specific needs.
Optimal nostrils
Alar plasty aims to restore optimal nostril shape by repositioning the ala in an ideal position. This procedure addresses problems like nasal obstruction, caudal asymmetry, and caudal-end deformity. It can also improve the symmetry or width of the nostrils.
Sill excision
Alar plasty is a procedure that can be used to extinguish sill flare. An ideal sill width has a horizontal axis, enlarged nostrils and an optimal sill width. This can also be combined by reducing the base alar wedge.
Weir excision
After alar plasty, a Weir excision can be performed to reduce the size of the nostrils. The procedure involves making an incision just below the natural lips crease on the inside nostril. The incision wraps around the nostril's inside and along the nostril floor. The wound is closed with sutures. After surgery, pain medication is administered to the patient and instructions are given on how to prevent infection. The wound will need to be bandaged for several days.