Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar Adjustment

Nose alar adjustment refers to a plastic surgery procedure meant to reshape wide or flared nostrils. The alar are the outer edges of the nostrils.

Alar adjustment is typically undertaken along with nose width reduction. The surgeon can change the level of tension that is causing the undesirable flair in the nostrils by eliminating a portion of the tissue.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

What is Alarplasty?

Alar Base Reduction or Nostril Width Surgery is a minor procedure.

It is sometimes included as part of facial plastic surgery to alter the size of the nostrils which may be disproportionate to the nasal tip and position of the eyes. This procedure offers an effective technique to change the appearance of the nose and refine the nasal structure for better facial harmony.

Alarplasty is a surgical procedure to treat the alar. This is the region of the nose where the nostrils are rounded, covering the nose tip area where the nose connects to the nasolabial folds and cheeks.

Distinct Techniques

There are various surgical techniques that can be used for alar adjustment in rhinoplasty surgery. The surgeon will individualize the procedure depending on the unique needs of the patient.

For instance, the Weir technique is a specific alar adjustment procedure involving a particular incision type. The surgeon will eliminate tissues to create a wedge-like cavity. After this, they will seal it with sutures to create beautiful contours.

Good Candidates for Alarplasty

Appropriate candidates for alarplasty are people who are displeased with the shape and contour of their nose. The ideal candidate should be in good overall health, and not have any medical conditions that could increase the medical risks associated with facial surgery.  

It is important that patients have reasonable expectations from the outcomes of this procedure. Additionally, they should be cognizant of all the risks and benefits of alarplasty and rhinoplasty.

This helps achieve higher levels of patient satisfaction and mitigates any future disappointment from the procedure.

Alarplasty Procedure

This surgery is undertaken using local anesthesia. The surgeon carefully places the incisions, typically within the nostrils. They will remove excess tissue through the incisions as well as reshapes and alters the size of the alars. The surgeon will then use sutures to make the nostrils narrower.

Results of Alarplasty

Alarplasty can offer very effective results by making the shape and size of the nostrils less pronounced. As alarplasty does not typically have contact with the nasal bone or cartilage, the patient tends to recover quicker and more comfortably.

Is Alarplasty Appropriate for Me?

Individuals seeking to understand whether alarplasty is an ideal cosmetic procedure for them should schedule a detailed consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.

They will assess the nose appearance and anatomy and offer recommendations on how the patient can accomplish their cosmetic goals, enabling them to make a judicious choice.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for nose reshaping surgery. For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.