Alarplasty

What is Alarplasty?

A significant aspect of cosmetic nasal surgery gaining attention is the modification of the nasal base or nostrils. Unlike the nasal cartilage frequently modified in rhinoplasty, the side walls of the nostrils (ala) consist of skin and soft tissue without direct support from the nasal skeleton. Many patients have wide, bulky, or flared nasal ala, which can contribute to an undesirable nasal appearance. Procedures aimed at correcting this issue are collectively referred to as alarplasty.

Who Can Benefit from Alarplasty?

Wide nasal bases are often observed in African American and Asian American populations but can occur in any ethnic group. It’s crucial to note that standard rhinoplasty maneuvers, which primarily address cartilage framework, do not effectively correct wide ala. Additional incisions are necessary to reduce bulk or alter ala attachment to achieve the desired narrowing effect. Alarplasty can be performed either as part of a comprehensive rhinoplasty or as a standalone procedure to address isolated wide nasal ala issues.

Types of Alarplasty Techniques

Alarplasty techniques vary based on the underlying cause of the wide nasal base:

Weir Excision:

Used when the attachment of the nostrils is excessively wide, involving releasing and inwardly repositioning the ala.
Wedge Technique:

Addresses excessively flared ala with a normal attachment by making an incision in the crease between the ala and the cheek to remove excess tissue.
Bulky Ala Reduction:

Involves reduction techniques performed through internal nose incisions for bulky ala.

Recovery and Considerations

All alarplasty techniques aim to conceal incisions inside the nose or along natural creases to minimize visible scarring and correct any asymmetries. Standalone alarplasty procedures are often performed under local anesthesia, while those integrated into comprehensive rhinoplasty typically require general anesthesia. Recovery is generally straightforward, with sutures removed within a week and incisions easily concealed with makeup during healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within about 10 days.

Consultation with Dr. Beaty

Dr. Beaty, an expert rhinoplasty surgeon with over 20 years of experience and more than 3000 nasal procedures, offers consultations to determine if alarplasty is suitable for achieving your aesthetic goals.