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The Skinny
Average Recovery
10 days
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$6000 - $7000
The Specifics
What is an alarplasty?
An alarplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure in which a small, wedge-shaped piece of nasal soft tissue is removed from the area where the nostril connects to the cheek at the alar base. The skin is sutured back into a narrower position at the base of the nose. Scars from this procedure are typically well hidden within the natural creases of the nose.The Anatomy of the Nose
What cosmetic concerns does an alarplasty procedure treat?
1. Nose Shape: Changes to the base of the nose and nostrils allow for the creation of a narrower nose shape. 2. Nose Size: By reducing nostril size, the base of the nose becomes reduced and slimmer. 3. Cosmetic Breathing Issues: Combined with a rhinoplasty or performed alone, the procedure surgery can correct the symmetry and size of the nostrils.Who is the ideal candidate for an alarplasty procedure?
An alarplasty procedure is ideal for candidates seeking to change the appearance of their nostrils and the base of the nose. Large, asymmetric nostrils, wide nostrils, or prominent nostrils can be corrected with alarplasty. Alarplasty is not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.What is the average recovery associated with an alarplasty procedure?
Most alarplasty patients experience no more than a few weeks of downtime and are able to resume normal activities within one week. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness generally resolve within a week or two.What are the potential side effects of an alarplasty procedure?
Possible side effects from an alarplasty procedure include bruising, bleeding, swelling, asymmetry, numbness, scarring, and difficulties breathing.What can someone expect from the results of an alarplasty procedure?
An alarplasty procedure is a permanent procedure to alter the shape of the nostrils with immediate results that will finalize over the course of one month.What is the average cost of an alarplasty procedure?
This is a one time permanent surgical procedure that can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $7,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, surgeon, and the length and involvement of the surgery. To learn more, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty cost.Pros
- Smaller Nostrils
- Symmetric Nostrils
- Balanced Facial Features
- No General Anesthesia
- Quick Recovery
Cons
- Possible Scars
- Possible Asymmetry
- Possible Need For Revision
Invasiveness Score
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
An alarplasty procedure surgically reduces the size of the nostrils. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an alarplasty procedure.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after
- No alcohol 2 weeks before and after the procedure
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia
- Incision just above the nasal crease
- Incision continued to inside of nose, following all the way around the preoperative markings
- Tissue is excised
- Sutures used to reattach the nostril to the base of the nose
- Procedure repeated on the opposite nostril
Immediately After Treatment
- Swelling
- Bruising and redness
1-3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Clean incisions daily
- Return to work after 1 week
- Swelling persists for 1-2 weeks
- No strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks
Result Notes
- Improvement noticeable immediately
- Final results at 4 weeks
- Continued improvement for several months
- Results are permanent
The Takeaway
An alarplasty procedure is a surgical procedure to alter the nostrils and the base of the nose. Alarplasty patients typically experience one to two weeks of associated recovery time.
