Alar reduction

Pre-Operative Instructions for Alar Reduction Surgery

To ensure a safe and successful Alar Reduction (Alarplasty) surgery, please follow these guidelines before your procedure:

Health and Medication:

• Inform your surgeon about any allergies, serious medical conditions, and all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Avoid aspirin at least 1 day before surgery.
• Discontinue vitamin E oil 1 day prior to surgery.
• Stop smoking at least 2 days before surgery and continue abstaining for 1 month after surgery.

Travel and Recovery Planning:

• Plan to remain in Thailand for 3 days after your surgery for initial recovery and follow-up care.
• Stock ice cubes or an ice pack at home to reduce swelling after the procedure.
• Avoid wearing cosmetics on the day before and the day of surgery.

Consultation and Procedure Details:

• During your consultation, your surgeon will explain your specific surgical plan, including the technique to be used, anesthesia type, operation location, and use of dissolvable stitches.
• The surgeon will discuss the expected results, risks, and costs, ensuring that you have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Following these pre-operative instructions carefully will help minimize risks and support a smooth, successful recovery.

Setting Realistic Expectations

It is essential to have realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery, including Alar Reduction (Alarplasty), can and cannot achieve. Your surgeon is the best person to provide guidance on potential outcomes, limitations, and results.

For this reason, a frank and open dialogue with your doctor is highly recommended. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that your goals are aligned with what the procedure can safely accomplish.

Surgical Procedure for Alar Reduction

After a thorough evaluation, the surgeon will plan the operation and determine the placement of incisions, which are typically hidden inside the nose to minimize visible scarring.

During the surgery:

• Small incisions are made on both sides of the nostrils.
• A specific amount of tissue is carefully removed to narrow the width of wide or flaring nostrils.
• The incisions are then sutured with dissolvable stitches, completing the procedure.

The shape and position of the incisions are carefully designed so that scars are practically invisible once fully healed, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

Post-Operative Recovery After Alar Reduction Surgery

After your Alar Reduction (Alarplasty) surgery, proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Home Care Instructions:

• Head elevation: Keep your head elevated while sleeping to help reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
• Swelling and congestion: It is normal to experience nasal swelling, congestion, and mild pain after surgery. These can be managed with cold compresses and pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
• Activity restrictions: Avoid rubbing or blowing your nose, bending over, or lifting heavy objects for at least one week.

Scar Management and Healing:

• Small scars from the procedure are usually well-hidden and fade over time.
• Alarplasty may leave two tiny line scars, which typically disappear within a few months.
• Full recovery and the final, naturally refined nasal shape may take up to 3 months.

Following these instructions carefully will help ensure the best aesthetic results and a smooth recovery process.

Recovery Timeline After Alar Reduction Surgery

After your Alar Reduction (Alarplasty) surgery, your recovery will progress over several weeks. Understanding the timeline helps you plan and follow post-operative care effectively.

First Week:

• Expect nasal swelling, congestion, and mild pain, which can be managed with cold compresses and pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
• Avoid rubbing or blowing your nose, bending over, or lifting heavy objects to prevent complications.

Weeks 2-4:

• Swelling gradually reduces, and the nose begins to take on its refined shape.
• Small scars remain well-hidden and begin fading naturally.

1-3 Months:

• Alarplasty may leave two tiny line scars, which are normal and typically disappear within a few months.
• Full recovery is usually achieved around 3 months, revealing the final natural shape of the nostrils.

Following the post-operative instructions carefully ensures a smooth recovery and optimal aesthetic results.

Surgery Schedule for Alar Reduction

For patients traveling to Thailand for Alar Reduction (Alarplasty), it is recommended to remain in the country for at least 2 days after surgery to ensure proper care and follow-up.

Typical Schedule:

Day 1:

• Consultation with the surgeon and/or surgery performed on the same day, depending on patient readiness.

Day 2:

• Follow-up checks to monitor healing and address any immediate concerns.

Day 3:

• Fly back home.
• Dissolvable stitches are used in the procedure; they will naturally dissolve or be removed during a follow-up within 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Following this schedule ensures safe recovery, proper monitoring, and optimal surgical outcomes.