When can I smile, laugh, eat solid foods, and wash my face after alar base reduction?

Question

I had a alar base reduction a few days ago and wondered if you could tell me if it is okay to smile, laugh, eat solid foods and wash my face? If not, when is it okay again? The sutures are dissolvable but are going to be removed in a couple of days.

Robert Glasgold, MD, FACS · Answer

It is important to ask the surgeon who operated on you as many surgeons will have different preferences.  In patients I perform just alar base reduction on, they can shower the day after surgery and have no restrictions on eating, talking or any facial movement.  My only restriction is on physical activity, I prefer any heavy lifting or strenuous activity to be delayed for two weeks.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

It's ok to eat solid foods right away, and you can wash your face gently but should avoid getting the suture line wet.  Very big smiles should be avoided for ~2 weeks to allow the incision line to heal completely before putting tension on it.  Keeping your incision line clean, and keeping it covered with antibiotic ointment, will result in the best healing.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While we would like patients to be still, it is impossible to prevent laughing and smiling, etc..  I usually want patients to limit exertion activities as much as possible during the early post-op period.

Andrew B. Denton, MD · Answer

Although you should check with your surgeon, I instruct my patients to limit facial expressions that put tension on the base of the nose for 10 days after surgery - this includes wide smiling and laughter.  Keep the area dry and apply a small amount of the recommended antibiotic ointment twice daily for 1 week.  Solid foods are okay immediately but perhaps best not to have anything that requires alot of chewing for the first week or so.

When can I smile, laugh, eat solid foods, and wash my face after alar base reduction?

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Answer: Alar base reduction

Answer: Alar base reduction

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When can I smile, laugh, eat solid foods, and wash my face after alar base reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Alar base reduction

Answer: Alar base reduction

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Everything you need to know about Alarplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.