Alar plasty refers to cosmetic plastic surgery that changes the shape and appearance of the nostrils. Depending on the objectives of the procedure, the nostrils can be either narrowed or enlarged. It can be done for both cosmetic and functional reasons. In many cases, this surgery will make the nose appear more narrow, thereby improving the patient's appearance.
Procedure
Alar-plasty involves the removal a little bit of tissue from around the base. The amount of skin removed is carefully measured and the surgeon then stitches together the remaining skin. This procedure leaves a narrower nose and more pleasing aesthetics. The surgery can last 45 minutes to an hour.
Time to recover
Alar plasty can cause pain and swelling that lasts several days. After this, you can resume most of your daily activities and get back to your routine. However, some bruising may remain. Your recovery time will vary depending on your specific case, but in general, you can expect to be back to normal within four to six weeks.
Scars
The scars after an alarplasty procedure will be affected by a few things. It is performed quickly and requires either local anaesthesia (or sedation). The surgeon will make an incision on the alar bone and then carve the smaller nose. He will then use sutures to reinforce the new shape of the alar base. The wound then gets bandaged. The patient might be prescribed pain medication and instructed to keep it from getting infected. The patient will need to keep a bandage on the wound for a few weeks.
Cost
The surgeon performing the surgery and the place where it is being performed will have an impact on the cost of alarplasty. The fees range from $3,000 to $8.500 and typically include the surgeon's fee, anesthesia and facility fees. They also cover blood work and pre- and/or post-operative appointments. The patient's medical history will determine the cost.
Optimal nostrils
Alar plasty aims to restore optimal nostril shape by repositioning the ala in an ideal position. This procedure is used to correct nasal obstructions, nose asymmetry and caudal deformities. It can also improve the symmetry and width of the nostrils.
Sill excision
To correct sill flare and sill width problems, alar plasty can be done for sill exclusion. A sill should have a horizontal orientation and large nostrils. This can also be combined by reducing the base alar wedge.
Weir excision
A Weir removal is a surgical procedure to close the nostrils. This procedure is performed by making an incision on the inside of the nostril, just below the natural lip crease. This incision is then wrapped around the nostrils and across the floor. The wound is then closed with sutures. After surgery, the patient is given pain medication and instructions to prevent infection. For several days, the wound will need to remain bandaged.