Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

see all q&a
Posted underAlarplasty q&a

Itching After Alar Base Reduction, is This Normal?

Lara_ZNov 20, 2011
It's been about six weeks post op for me, going on seven, and after the nostril reduction, the itching on the sides of the nostrils has been on some days almost unbearable. I notice some dead flaky skin where the incisions were and this flakes off when I scratch, but if I scratch too much I actually get some minor bleeding on the sides of the nostril. Is this kind of sensitivity/itching normal, and how long might it last? I've been taking antihistamines every day.

Answers (4)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS
Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS profile photo
Dr. Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 304 Reviews
Answered on Nov 22, 2011
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS profile photo
Dr. Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 143 Reviews
Answered on Nov 21, 2011
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Dr. Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 22, 2011
Answer
1 person found this helpful
Dr. Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired)
Dr. Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired)
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answered on Nov 25, 2011
Answer
1 person found this helpful

More Alarplasty Questions

Top Answer
User Avatar
Behrooz Torkian, MD

Hi CZL Thank you for posting a picture.  Reduction of the ala can certainly be done with a natural look if your surgeon is conservative and meticulous with the reduction.  The incisions are placed in the alar crease, and can be very well hidden,  Remember that the nose...

+8 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Thomas A. Lamperti, MD

Besides the standard surgical risks of bleeding, infection, reaction to the anesthesia, etc. there are risks of scarring or asymmetry. Careful surgical planning and alar reduction are very important to maintain symmetry. Alar base wedge excisions typically create a scar in the very oily skin...

+4 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Paul S. Nassif, MD

Hello, The three procedures you mentioned can be performed in one session. You may benefit from slightly lifting the tip, which will decrease the drooping appearance that takes place when smiling.  Eliminating the small nasal hump will help improve the appearance of your nose as well....

+16 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS

Unfortunately, there is no scarless method for an ABR.  To narrow the tissues requires removal of excess or malpositioned tissues.  Scars can be minimized using multiple modalities but that is a conversation best left to you and your rhinoplasty surgeon.  My experience has been...

+5 answers
Top Answer
User Avatar
Sam Naficy, MD, FACS

No - based on your photos it appears that you do not have excessive flare of the nostrils nor should you develop this through significant deprojection

+15 answers
See all Alarplasty Q&A
See more Alarplasty Q&As
See all Q&As
SEE ALARPLASTY GUIDE →