Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar Adjustment

By Gary Motykie, MD

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Alar Adjustment | Beverly Hills Nose alar adjustment is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape wide or flared nostrils. The outer edges of the nostrils are known as alar.

Alar adjustment is typically undertaken in combination with nose width reduction. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the tissue to adjust the level of tension causing the undesirable flair in the nostrils.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

What is Alarplasty?

Alar base reduction or nostril width surgery is a relatively minor surgical procedure. It often forms a part of facial plastic surgery to adjust the size of the nostrils which may not be proportional to the nasal tip and position of the eyes. This procedure can effectively alter the appearance of the nose and refine the nasal structure to create a more harmonious facial look.

Alarplasty is a surgery that focuses exclusively on the alar. This refers to the region of the nose where the nostrils are rounded. It covers the nose tip area to the region where the nose connects to the nasolabial folds and cheeks.

Different Techniques

Alar adjustment can be undertaken through various surgical techniques in rhinoplasty procedures. 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 eliminates tissue to create a wedge-like cavity. They will then suture it to create the desired contours.

Suitable Alarplasty Candidates

Alarplasty is a suitable procedure for people who are unhappy with the shape and contour of their nose. Ideal candidates should be in good overall health and not have any medical conditions that could compromise their safety during facial surgery.

Patients must have reasonable expectations from the outcomes of the alarplasty procedure. They should be cognizant of the risks and benefits of nose reshaping surgery and alarplasty. These factors contribute to higher levels of patient satisfaction and more complete outcomes.

Alarplasty Procedure

The surgeon will perform the alarplasty with the patient under local anesthesia. They will carefully place incision, often within the nostrils. The surgeon will excise surplus tissue through these incisions to reshape and modify the size of the alars. Subsequently, they will use sutures to make the nostrils narrower.

Results of Alarplasty

Alarplasty can offer patients very effective results by creating a less prominent nostril appearance. Furthermore, patients tend to recover more quickly and comfortably from this procedure as alarplasty does not usually involve any contact with the nasal bone and cartilage.

Is Alarplasty Appropriate for You?

It is important for patients considering alarplasty to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The nose surgeon will assess the patient’s nasal anatomy and appearance and offer recommendations on achieving their aesthetic goals. This will enable the patient to make an enlightened choice.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

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