Answering Your Questions About Alar Reduction Surgery!

Hello.

This is Vibe Plastic Surgery.

Rhinoplasty is just as popular as eye surgery these days.

There are various surgical methods within rhinoplasty.

Among them, alar reduction (alarplasty) is a procedure that many people might not be fully familiar with.

Let’s take a detailed look at when and why alar reduction is performed.

This surgery reduces the width of the alae (the wings of the nose) that appear wide from both the front and bottom views.

In particular, if the alae flare outward significantly when viewed from below, alar reduction can provide highly satisfying results.

It is best to receive an accurate diagnosis to see if you are a suitable candidate before deciding on the surgery.

Because alar reduction involves removing skin and tissue, the procedure is irreversible once performed.

Many Asians or those considering nose surgery often have a low or drooping nasal tip.

In such cases, simply raising the nasal tip to an appropriate height can create an alar reduction effect.

Since some cases only require tip surgery, rather than thinking you must get alar reduction first, we recommend checking if it is still necessary after completing the primary rhinoplasty.

In alar reduction, there are incision methods that do not affect the size of the nostrils at all, and there are methods that can reduce the size of the nostrils themselves.

Therefore, even if you have small nostrils, if the skin and tissue of the outer alae are thick, reduction is possible without touching the nostril size.

This is why it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon before making a decision.

The most effective results are achieved when there is excess skin flaring outward that can be excised and gathered inward.

The methods are largely divided into external and internal incisions.

The external incision follows the outer groove of the nose, allowing the scar to be hidden along the natural crease, thereby minimizing its visibility.

The internal incision involves making a cut on the floor inside the nostril, making it a method that hides the scar even more effectively than the external incision.

The muscles we use to smile pull the alae outward from both sides, and there are also muscles that pull from below the columella. Therefore, it is natural for the nose to widen when smiling.

However, if the excessive widening when smiling is a source of stress, we recommend procedures or surgeries that can slightly suppress those smiling muscles.

- Botox treatment.

- Alar cinching (tying).

- Incision method.

If Botox does not provide enough suppression, we recommend alar cinching, which is a non-incisional, less invasive method.

Alar cinching uses threads to tie the alar portions together, reducing the flaring phenomenon when smiling.

The incision method is the most proactive treatment among the three.

Through an incision—essentially alar reduction—the tissue that causes flaring is removed, preventing the nose from widening excessively.

So-called ‘alar reduction injections’ usually consist of a mix of Botox and ingredients that shrink the skin and fatty tissue.

Because of this, the effects are very temporary. Furthermore, if the skin is thick or the flare is significant, it may be difficult to achieve satisfying results.

Since alar shapes vary by individual and suitable surgical methods differ accordingly, please consult with a plastic surgery specialist to proceed with your alar reduction surgery.