Rhinoplasty, a cosmetic procedure, can transform your facial appearance overnight, although full effects may be seen a year later. However, it comes with different techniques and procedures, depending on desired outcome. Alar base reduction is one such subtype of this plastic surgery.

We will discuss in detail about alar base reduction, techniques used, procedure, benefits and much more.

What Is Alar Base Reduction

Alar base reduction, also known as nostril reduction surgery, is a surgical procedure meant to narrow nostrils. Mainly it focuses on decreasing flaring of nostrils by adjusting the base, bottom portion of the nose.

Like any other body part, nose and nostrils are unique features which differ from person to person. This surgery is purposed for those who are unhappy with their nostrils, and help them achieve their desired shape.

Benefits Of Alar Base Reduction

Alar base Reduction gives natural results with minimal scarring. Benefits include:

  • Smaller nose appearance
  • Proportionate nostril size
  • Less nostril flaring
  • Less invasive
  • Confidence boost

Who Is The Right Candidate For Alar Base Reduction?

To get nostril reduction surgery, you must have following criteria, in addition to being unhappy with your nostrils:

  • Good health
  • Non smoker
  • Completely healed in case of previous procedures in this area
  • Realistic expectations with cosmetic surgery

Alar Base Reduction: Different Techniques

Alar Base Reduction Different Techniques

Different types of techniques have been introduced in alar base reduction rhinoplasty. The surgeon decides the technique that suits a patient best. These techniques include:

  • Alar Wedge Excision: This technique reduces nostril flaring by minimizing alar size and reshaping it.
  • Nasal Sill Excision: It is the preferred technique for reducing nostril width where the surgeon decreases distance between two ala and overall size as well.
  • V-Y Advancement: The surgeon makes a V shaped incision and closes into Y shape, subtly refining the nostril shape without extensive tissue removal.

Alar Base Reduction Procedure

The alar base reduction surgery, also called alarplasty, have following steps:

  1. Local Anesthesia – Local anesthesia is carefully injected around your nose for a comfortable, painless and bleed free surgical site.
  2. Surgical Incision – A precise incision is made at the base of your nose to gently free it from the cheeks.
  3. Nostril Wall Removal – A small portion of the nostril wall is carefully removed to reduce the length and narrow the nostrils.
  4. Suturing – The nostril wall is sutured back to the cheek as per pre-decided final results.

Alar Base Reduction: Healing Timeline

Alar Base Reduction Healing Timeline

After surgery, common temporary side-effects include:

These may take two to four weeks to fade for a natural look. You can also take the following measures to minimize effects and achieve faster healing:

  • Follow post op instructions
  • Head Elevation
  • Hygiene
  • Avoid sleeping on face
  • Avoid salt and alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reverse alar base reduction?

Alar base reduction is a permanent procedure which involves removing tissue from the nose. Therefore, it can not be reversed.

Is alarplasty better than rhinoplasty?

Alarplasty, alar reduction or nostril reduction surgery, is a different procedure than rhinoplasty. While both aim to change the shape of the nose, both procedures have different goals and produce different outcomes.

What is the downtime for Alar base reduction?

The downtime or recovery time of alar base reduction surgery is 1 to 3 months. The swelling starts to fade within a month and after that optimal results can be seen in a month or so.