What is the recovery time for alar rim graft surgery of retracted nostrils ?

Hi  Kind2853,
In most cases, alar rim graft surgery falls into the category of a minor rhinoplasty. On average, you should be ready to return to your daily activities within 7 to 10 days after the operation. However, you may have to wait up to 12 months in order to appreciate the final results. Keep in mind that the procedure itself takes less than an hour and initial recovery is relatively fast. To get the best results, always make sure you consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best of luck
Dr. Sam Rizk

Thank you for the great question. If all you really need is  placement of an alar rim graft (or composite graft) for alar retraction or symmetry, this can typically be done in the office with local (and oral sedation as needed). In most cases, the cartilage would be borrowed from the ear. The procedure would take about 30-45 minutes and recovery should be pretty quick, depending on the size of the graft and the donor site. Thank you and best of luck!