Alarplasty (Alar Base Reduction)

What to Expect From Alarplasty

Alarplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to refine the nostrils without affecting the rest of the nose. While the surgery is relatively straightforward, it is important to understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Before Surgery

Before undergoing alar base reduction, I conduct a thorough consultation to evaluate each patient’s nasal structure, facial symmetry, and aesthetic goals. During this time, we will:

• Discuss your ideal nostril shape and width to ensure realistic expectations.
• Review before and after photos of past patients to visualize potential results.
• Examine the natural folds of your nostrils to determine the best incision placement.
• Provide pre-operative instructions, including medications to avoid before surgery.

I take a customized approach to every procedure to ensure the results are proportional to the patient’s overall facial features.

During Surgery

Alarplasty is a short, outpatient procedure, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes. It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and medical history.

• Precise Marking: I carefully mark the area where the alar base will be adjusted, ensuring symmetry and natural proportions.
• Incisions: Small incisions are made along the natural folds of the nostrils to minimize visible scarring.
• Tissue Removal: A small wedge of tissue is removed from the base of the nostrils, allowing for controlled narrowing.
• Suturing: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, placed within the natural folds of the nose for minimal visibility.
• Completion: The procedure is completed with symmetry checks to ensure the nostrils look balanced.

Since alarplasty does not involve altering the nasal bridge or tip, the healing process is faster and less invasive than full rhinoplasty.

After Surgery

After the procedure, patients can return home the same day. Recovery is typically smooth, and most discomfort is mild and manageable with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising peak within the first few days but subside significantly within a week.

• Swelling and bruising: Mild swelling and bruising are common for the first few days but subside within a week.
• Returning to daily activities: Most patients can return to work and normal routines within 5 to 7 days.
• Final results: As swelling fully resolves, the refined nostril shape becomes more visible within a few months.
• No impact on breathing: Alarplasty does not affect nasal function, so there is no change in breathing ability.

Since the incisions are placed in discreet locations, scarring is typically minimal and nearly invisible after healing.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Alarplasty may be a good option for patients who:

• Feel their nostrils are too wide or flared
• Want to refine their nasal shape without altering the nasal bridge or tip
• Have a genetic predisposition to wider nostrils and desire subtle refinement
• Prefer a minimally invasive nasal procedure with a quick recovery time

A consultation is the best way to determine if alarplasty is the right option for you. I work closely with each patient to ensure that their goals align with what can be realistically achieved while preserving natural-looking results.

Combining Alarplasty With Rhinoplasty

Many of my patients in Long Island and NYC choose to combine alarplasty with rhinoplasty for a more comprehensive nasal refinement. While alarplasty focuses solely on the nostril width, rhinoplasty can improve the overall shape of the nose, including the bridge, tip, and dorsal hump.

For patients seeking both functional and cosmetic nasal changes, combining these procedures can provide:

• Better facial harmony: A well-balanced nose that fits naturally with the rest of the face.
• A single recovery period: Instead of undergoing two separate surgeries, combining them minimizes downtime.
• Custom-tailored results: I design each surgical plan based on individual facial features, ensuring the nostrils, tip, and bridge are proportionate.
• Improved nasal function: If a patient experiences breathing issues, functional corrections such as septoplasty can be performed alongside cosmetic refinements.

During a consultation, I assess whether alarplasty alone will achieve the patient’s goals or if a combined approach will provide the best results.

Choosing the Right Surgeon in Long Island & NYC

Selecting an experienced nasal specialist is key to achieving natural and balanced results. When considering alarplasty or rhinoplasty, patients should look for:

• A board-certified facial plastic surgeon or ENT specialist.
• Experience in alar base reduction and rhinoplasty techniques.
• A track record of natural-looking results with before-and-after examples.
• A personalized approach that respects each patient’s unique facial features.

At the Rhinoplasty Center of Long Island, I specialize in nasal refinement procedures and take a detail-oriented approach to ensure results that complement your natural beauty.

If you are considering alarplasty or alar base reduction in Long Island or NYC, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. Together, we will discuss your goals, evaluate your nasal structure, and determine the best approach to achieving your results.