Wide Nose, Flared Nostrils + ALARPLASTY = Asymmetry and Good looks

Posted: May 30, 2008

If you are bothered by the way your nose looks, because the nostril area is too wide or flared, there's a cosmetic procedure to solve this problem called Alarplasty (also known as Nose trim). It aims to reduce the width of the nasal base called the alar to make it smaller and proportion to the whole face.

Consultation
Before you go ahead with the surgery, Dr. Firmalino will initially evaluate your suitability for alarplasty. To do this, he will assess the position of your eyebrows, the amount of excess fat and skin in your eyelid areas, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids, as well as your eyesight and tear production. If you are qualified, he will discuss to you in detail the procedure including its likely outcomes, risks and complications, the type of anesthesia he will use. He will also give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, among others.

Procedure
Alarplasty is performed by cutting out small, wedge-shaped piece of skin from the outer base of each nostril. The surgery is done in the clinic on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and takes about an hour to finish. The operated area will be covered with bandage. 

Post Surgery
On the first night after your surgery, you will feel some pain and discomfort on the operated area, so it is important that you take the medications prescribe to you, to control whatever discomfort you feel as well as to avoid further complications. Also expect swelling especially during the first 3 days after your surgery. To reduce swelling, you will be instructed to apply cold compress on the operated area. Moreover, you will be advised to sleep with your head higher than your chest, as this position according to Dr. Firmalino, doesn’t only help reduce swelling, but can also hasten your recovery period. You will be asked to go back to the clinic 7 days after your operation for the removal of stitches and check up.

Post Surgery Recovery
You can wash your face or take a bath 2 days after your surgery. You can go back to work or school 3 days after your surgery, but avoid strenuous activities like contact sports which can injure your face or your nose specifically in the next 2 to 3 weeks or until the operated area has completely healed. Swelling will completely subside for about 2 weeks. Final outcome will be seen after a month.

Possible risks and complications
May include asymmetry of nostrils, bleeding, infection, reactions to the anaesthesia, but these can be reduced and/or avoided if you follow Dr. Firmalino’s  instructions closely before and after surgery. 

Alarplasty is usually done at the same time with Nose lift or Nose reduction. Facial surgery procedures that can enhance alarplasty are Blepharoplasty, Dimple creation, Cleft chin creation, and Botox injection.