Alar flare reduction is a surgical procedure designed to address wide nostrils and alter the contour of the nasal base. At Dr Mohaghegh Plastic Surgery, Dr Mohammad Hassan Mohaghegh offers this procedure to help patients seeking balanced facial proportions.

What is Alar Flare Reduction?

Alar flare reduction, often referred to as alarplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses the outward expansion of the nostrils. By carefully modifying the tissue at the nasal base, the surgery alters the width of the nostrils so they do not protrude as much. This procedure focuses on creating a proportional appearance that complements your existing facial features without altering the fundamental structure of the upper nose.

What makes a suitable candidate for Alar Flare Reduction?

A suitable candidate for alar flare reduction is typically someone who feels their nostrils are disproportionately wide or who experiences alar flaring due to genetics or previous nasal trauma. Individuals considering this procedure should be in good general health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes, and understand that while surgical outcomes are considered long-lasting, they may change over time due to natural aging. An in-depth consultation with Dr Mohaghegh is necessary to evaluate your specific nasal anatomy and determine if this approach aligns with your structural needs.

What are the Alar Flare Reduction options?

When considering options for addressing alar flare, patients may explore a few avenues depending on their specific anatomy. Options include standalone alar base reduction surgery for targeted nostril narrowing, comprehensive rhinoplasty which incorporates alar modification alongside other nasal structural changes, or, in some minor cases, non-surgical interventions using injectables to temporarily alter the contour of the surrounding tissue. However, for those seeking long-lasting structural changes to the width of the nostril base, surgical options remain the primary pathway.

Alar Flare Reduction surgical techniques

  • Wedge Excision: A technique where small wedges of tissue are removed from the outside of the nostrils to decrease the alar flare and reduce overall width.

  • Nasal Sill Excision: This method removes tissue from the base of the nostrils (the sill) to narrow the overall width of the nasal base without necessarily cutting into the outer nostril curve.

  • The Sandwich Technique: A specialized method designed to carefully narrow the nasal base while preserving the natural curvature and structural integrity of the nostrils.

  • Alar Base Stitch/Cinch: A technique that utilizes internal sutures to draw the nostrils closer together, often used in conjunction with tissue removal for a refined contour.

Recovery after Alar Flare Reduction

Following alar flare reduction surgery, patients will typically wear a supportive bandage and experience some expected swelling, numbness, and bruising around the nasal area during week one. By month one, the majority of the visible puffiness generally subsides, allowing patients to resume most normal activities, though strenuous exercise and blowing the nose must be strictly avoided in the initial four to six weeks. By month three, the nasal contours will have largely settled into their new shape, although the complete internal and external healing process can take up to six months.

How much does Alar Flare Reduction cost?

The cost of alar flare reduction surgery varies significantly from patient to patient, as it depends on the length and complexity of the operation, the specific surgical techniques used, and associated facility fees. Because each individual’s anatomical needs and surgical plans are unique, a single standardized price cannot be provided online. Furthermore, this procedure is generally considered cosmetic and is usually not covered by private health insurance. A detailed, case-by-case financial estimate will be provided to you during your initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Alar Flare Reduction Surgery

  • Will the results of my alar flare reduction be permanent? The structural changes made during alar flare reduction are considered long-lasting, but your nose and facial tissues may still change over time due to natural aging processes.

  • Is it normal to have numbness after the procedure? Yes, it is common to experience temporary numbness around the nasal tip, upper lip, or gums. Sensation typically returns gradually over several weeks or months.

  • When can I return to work after surgery? Most patients can resume their daily routine and return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks, depending on individual healing progress.

  • Will there be visible scars? Incisions are generally placed in the natural creases where the nose meets the cheeks to minimize visibility, though all surgical incisions will leave some form of scar.

  • Can I blow my nose during recovery? You must refrain from blowing your nose for at least six weeks post-surgery to protect the delicate healing tissues and prevent complications.

  • Can alar flare reduction be combined with a full rhinoplasty? Yes, altering the nostril width is frequently performed alongside comprehensive rhinoplasty procedures to achieve balanced proportions across the entire nose.