Will I have noticeable scarring after alar base reduction?

Question

I went to a plastic surgeon and was told the procedure they would do on me would be called a alar reduction and that he would also refine the tip of my nose. My only worry is will I have noticeable scarring and when doing this process do people usually getting bruising around their face or what side effects should I expect? Also what would be a good reasonable healing and recovery time before I can wear makeup and go back to my daily activities?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend visiting with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has access to some devices like fractionated CO2, Erbium or radiofrequency.  This may help you with the noticeable scarring process and diminish the scar.  I have had some good success when I use these devices to help soften scars, especially if they are post-surgical.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

A well-executed alar base reduction will not cause noticeable scarring.  After a rhinoplasty, you should be ready to be back in the public eye within 1-2 weeks.  However it is important to note that rhinoplasty results continue to mature for ~1 year.  Best of luck!

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Lizsc,An alar base reduction is a common procedure.  It involves a small incision in a natural crease around the ala of the nose.  Because the incision is in a natural crease it usually heals very well with minimal swelling and almost no bruising.  When done properly the scar is essentially imperceptible.  I tell my patients to take it easy for two weeks after any rhinoplasty procedure and then ease back into activity.  I also avoid any sports or activity where trauma could occur to the nose for 6 weeks.  As far as the swelling and bruising it depends on what else is done in addition to the alar base reduction.  It also depends on whether an external incision (open approach) is used or if it is all done through the inside of the nose.  It would be best to discuss the normal healing phase and expectations with your surgeon as he or she will know what is normal based on previous experience.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

If performed properly, alar base reduction scars are very difficult to see. If done poorly, they can irreversibly damage your nose and create unsightly scarring. Ensure that your chosen surgeon performs alar base modification at least on a weekly basis and review close up photos and base view photos of the scars. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

In a good healer there is hardly any noticeable scar after a Weir's procedure.  However in a bad healer there can be scarring.  Bruising should be none to minimal. Healing should be complete in 5 days. Outcome is dependent on your surgeon's skill.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

An alar plasty and a tip plasty are 2 completely different procedures.  It is best to ask your operative surgeon  what their postoperative restrictions are. An alar plasty incision can be placed on the inside of the nostrils or at the junction of the  nostril. It really depends upon how wide the nostrils are  will determine how long the incision is. A tip plasty can also be performed at same time.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The amount of visible scarring depends on the kind of alar base reduction. Usually alar base reductions are done within the nostrils so that the scar isn't visible. However, sometimes the alar base reduction involves incisions on the nasal ala that may be visible. Usually they're able to be camouflaged with makeup and aren't that big a deal. Usually bruising is minimal, but it depends on how much work is done and specifics of technique. Usually any bruising is pretty much gone by a week following surgery. Different doctors have different rules of thumb about resuming activity. I want my patients to be up and around the day after surgery, but no heavy lifting for about a week and certainly no contact sports for about 6 weeks at least. Good luck with your surgery.

Will I have noticeable scarring after alar base reduction?

Answers (7)

More Alarplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (7)

More Alarplasty Questions

Alarplasty. What determines the potential of having noticeable alar reduction scars? (Photo)

What would be the best method for alar base reduction? Wedge excision, or Sill excision? (Photo)

What is the difference between alar base reduction and alar plasty?

Any suggestions for uneven nostrils after alarplasty?

How much is an alarplasty in San Diego?

Is there a structural danger when overdoing alarplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS