Alarplasty

Alarplasty

Nose wing, also known as nasal ala, refers to the outer wall of each nostril. Wide nose wings and nostril flaring make the nose appear broad and wide with prominent nostrils . Alarplasty is a minor surgery done to reduce the width of the nose wings and to narrow the nostrils. The overall effect is to make the nose appears slimmer and more elegant. There are two types of alarplasty: resection technique and stitch technique. Resection technique involves resection of part of the alar base and the adjacent nasal floor. Stitch technique involves a stitching method that brings the nasal alae nearer to each other without tissue resection.

Alarplasty may be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other rhinoplasty procedures such as nose augmentation and tip-plasty to create more balanced aesthetic results.

Preparation

1. 1. 1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

      2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

      3. Stop the following medications and supplements from one week before surgery until one week after surgery.

         1. All supplements containing vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, and other ingredients that increase bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements, traditional medicine, and herbs, in which ingredients are unknown, have to stop as well.

         2. Medicine that increases bleeding during the procedure such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medication before you stop them.

      4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgery

Duration: One hour

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia

Hospitalization: Not required.

Recovery*: Back to work in 3 days, light exercise after one week, heavy exercise after 3-4 weeks. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Surgery Technique:

1. 1. 1. Resection Method: The surgeon makes an incision along the alar base extending into the nostril floor. A sliver of the nasal skin  is removed. The nasal ala is repositioned inward and fixed to reduce the width of the nose and nostrils. The scar is confined to the alar groove and will be inconspicuous after full recovery.

      2. Stitch Method: Suture is inserted to engage the alar base on both sides. The suture is tightened and bring the nasal alae together to narrow the nostrils and nose width. The is no external scars

Post-operative Care**

1. 1. 1. What to expect: Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside after that. Post-operative pain is usually minimal.

      2. General care:

         1. Apply the cold pack in the first 3 days. Elevate the head during sleep to reduce swelling.

         2. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

         3. Good rest and adequate sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

         4. Avoid applying pressure on the nose.

         5. Do not pick the nostrils with a finger. Instead, use a cotton tip to clean the nose.

         6. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

      3. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as when necessary.

      4. Wound care: Clean the wound with a clean cotton tip soaked with sterile water/saline. Apply antibiotic ointment.

      5. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

      6. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for suture removal and review.

      7. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, a rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, contact the clinic/doctor for advice immediately.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.