Alar Reduction
Surgical Reduction of Alar Width, Flare, and Shape
Recommended for
- For those concerned about wide alar width and facial balance
- For those concerned about alar flare when smiling
- For those concerned about the size and shape of the nostrils
- For those who wish to naturally refine the roundness and lower fullness of the alar
Alar reduction surgery (alar base reduction) is a surgical procedure that refines the width, flare, and shape of the alar base (alae nasi) through incision-based technique. According to standard aesthetic surgical measurements, the ideal alar base width is approximately equal to the intercanthal distance (the distance between the inner corners of the eyes). The reduction amount is designed based on this measurement. It has been reported that in Asian patients, including Japanese, the alar base width tends to be wider than the intercanthal distance, and the goal of the surgery is to safely reduce this difference.
Types of Surgical Techniques
The surgical technique varies depending on the location and shape of your concerns. Each technique involves removing tissue from different areas and places incisions in different locations. The appropriate approach will be determined by the surgeon during consultation.
Medial Approach (Alar Base Excision)
This method removes tissue from the floor of the nasal cavity (nasal sill) to the base of the alar. It is suitable for alar that "flares outward," and the incision line is hidden within the alar groove (the crease at the base of the ala), making scars less noticeable.
Lateral Approach (Alar Wedge Excision)
This method removes tissue in a wedge shape from the outer side of the alar. It is suitable for reducing the horizontal width of the alar itself, and the incision line is placed along the alar-facial groove (the natural crease at the boundary between the ala and the cheek). Post-operative scars remain within this groove and become less noticeable over time.
Combined Medial and Lateral Approach
By combining the medial and lateral approaches, the alar flare, width, and shape can be comprehensively refined. This method is used for complex concerns that cannot be adequately addressed by either approach alone.
Flap Technique
For shapes that are difficult to address with standard wedge excision, or when you wish to refine the shape of the alar rim while reducing size, local tissue flaps are repositioned for more precise shape correction. However, this technique is somewhat more complex.
Downtime Guide
Post-operative swelling and bruising will occur, but in most cases will subside within 1-2 weeks. The final result can be assessed around 3-6 months after surgery when swelling has fully resolved (individual variation applies). Suture removal is performed 5-7 days post-operatively.
Features
Inconspicuous Incision Design
The incision line is placed along the alar groove and alar-facial groove (natural creases at the base of the ala). Because the scar remains within the groove, it is difficult to see from the front after surgery. Over 3-6 months post-operatively, the scar stabilizes and in most cases becomes even less noticeable (individual variation applies).
Reduction Amount Designed Based on Facial Balance
The reduction amount of the alar base width is planned using the intercanthal distance (the distance between the inner corners of the eyes) as a reference. Rather than evaluating the nose in isolation, the surgeon will propose the surgical technique and reduction amount taking into consideration the overall balance of the face.
Local Anesthesia & Same-Day Procedure
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia with no need for hospitalization. Combination with nitrous oxide anesthesia is also an option.
Treatment details
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia (with nitrous oxide option available)
- Surgical Time
- Approximately 60-90 minutes (varies depending on technique and extent)
- Suture Removal
- 5-7 days post-operatively
- Downtime
- Swelling and bruising: approximately 1-2 weeks (individual variation applies)
- Expected Final Result
- 3-6 months post-operatively (appearance becomes more natural as swelling subsides)
- Permanence
- Semi-permanent
- Showering
- Possible from the next day (care should be taken not to wet the incision)
- Bathing
- Possible after suture removal
- Strenuous Exercise
- Please refrain for approximately 2 weeks post-operatively
Pricing
Alar Reduction
| Treatment | Price (incl. tax) |
|---|---|
| Medial or Lateral Approach |
|
| Both Medial and Lateral Approaches |
|
| Flap Technique |
|
| Alar Elevation |
|
※ All prices include tax.
FAQ
How do I choose between the medial, lateral, and flap techniques?
The appropriate technique varies depending on your concerns regarding location and shape. The medial approach is suited for alar flare outward, the lateral approach for reducing the horizontal width of the alar itself, and the flap technique for more complex shape corrections. During consultation, the surgeon will propose the appropriate approach while assessing the overall facial balance.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Will the scar be noticeable?
Because the incision line is placed along the natural groove of the alar, the scar will stabilize over 3-6 months post-operatively and in most cases will be difficult to see from the front (individual variation applies). The course of scar healing may vary depending on skin type and post-operative care.
Ask ZetithAI about this →When can I return to normal daily activities?
Once sutures are removed (5-7 days post-operatively), most daily activities can be resumed without difficulty. Swelling and bruising peak around 1-3 days post-operatively and largely subside within 1-2 weeks. Please refrain from strenuous exercise and alcohol consumption for approximately 2 weeks post-operatively.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Will the reduced alar revert to its original size?
Because the removed tissue does not regenerate, the alar will basically not return to its pre-operative size. The reduction effect from the surgical technique is maintained semi-permanently. While changes in soft tissue around the alar could occur with significant weight fluctuations, the reduced portion will not return completely to its original size.
Ask ZetithAI about this →Consultations about this treatment are free.
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