How long does it take for the skin to recover after alarplasty?

 

It usually takes a couple of months for the alarplasty incision to heal and go through the full healing process.  The amount of time it takes to heal depends upon the type of skin that is present.  Darker skin tends to take longer to heal, but usually within a couple of months those incision sites are well camouflaged.  It takes approximately six weeks for the smile to return once the swelling subsides.  There is usually no bruising with this type of surgery since it is a very small incision at the base of the nostril.  Need for dermabrasion after this type of surgery is infrequent.

The healing time is limited from this procedure. Some variants of alar reduction can be healed in as little as a few days. Others, which involve incisions going into the outside of the nostril can be more like 7-10 days. Sutures are removed in 5-7 days in most cases as well.
Patients with very wide nostrils usually need the incision that goes into the outer crease of the nostril. However, I usually try to avoid it, since it can be visible, despite good surgical closure and aftercare.
I typically do not do this procedure in isolation unless it is as an adjunct to a previously performed Rhinoplasty. It usually would not be in balance unless the tip and upper part of the nose is narrowed as well. However, there are always exceptions.
Best of luck

Hi Brian,
In general, an alarplasty heals within one week. Stiches are removed day 5 to 7, the wound then heals. Redness fading varies from patient to patient, usually a few weeks. The scar is usually hidden in the nasal-alar crease and nostril floor, about 1 -2 cm. The return of your smile depends upon how happy or dissatified you are with your new nose. Patients are encouraged not to stretch the skin around the incisions (smiling) for a week. There should not be much if any bruising. Dermabrasion, but more commonly today laser skin resurfacing may be used to help minimize the appearance of the scar.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P