The approach to the nose
Nasal surgery can be performed inside the nostrils or through an open approach, which includes an incision in the columella, the fold of tissue separating the nostrils.
Dr. Gustavo Suárez · Nose surgery
Alar resectionor alar base surgery.
Alar resection, or alar base surgery, changes the width of the lower part of the nose. Reference descriptions place it within rhinoplasty, alongside the other planned changes.
Request a consultation What is alarplasty?What is discussed
The base of the nose
and the nasal alae.
The nasal alae are the side walls that form the nostrils, and their attachment at the bottom is called the alar base. Alar base surgery, also known as alarplasty, changes the width of this area. The alar base can be assessed as part of the rhinoplasty plan. The consultation establishes which changes are needed and the scope of the procedure.
The width of the nose is assessed in relation to the face and each person's goals. The examination compares those goals with the anatomy, without starting from a single model of the nose.
What is assessed
What is assessed
during the consultation.
The consultation explores which changes are sought and which features the person wishes to preserve, and examines the structure of the nose and its relationship with the face. Assessment for aesthetic rhinoplasty also requires facial growth to be complete and takes health and expectations into account.
Following the examination, the options are explained and the requested changes are considered in relation to the anatomy. Planning sets out the objectives as well as the limitations of the procedure.
What the initial consultation involvesHow it is performed
The location of
the incisions.
To change the size of the nostrils, incisions are added in the natural folds of the nasal wings. Reference descriptions place this step within rhinoplasty, alongside the other planned changes.
The base incision
When the size of the nostrils is changed, the incision is made in a natural skin fold of the nasal ala.
The scar
The natural crease helps conceal the incision, although all surgery leaves a scar. Its location and the care it requires are explained before surgery.
Airflow
Air enters through the base of the nose, so any change in this area is also assessed from a breathing perspective.
For your consultation
What to
ask.
The treatment plan depends on the examination. These questions help you understand its scope before deciding.
What else will be changed?
If the base is treated as part of rhinoplasty, it is useful to understand the whole plan, rather than just that part.
How is airflow assessed?
Air enters through the base of the nose. It is worth asking specifically how this is taken into account in your own case.
Which features are preserved?
The consultation covers the changes you are seeking and the features you wish to preserve, without starting from a model nose. It is worth thinking about both beforehand.
What if the result does not meet expectations?
An aesthetic result that does not meet expectations is among the risks described. It is reasonable to know beforehand how this would be addressed.
After surgery
Care and
follow-up.
Recovery
Swelling may be present during the first few weeks, and the appearance may still change over the following months.
Returning to work or exercise depends on the procedure, progress during recovery and the type of activity. Aftercare and follow-up are explained before surgery, along with possible complications.
Risks and limitations
Swelling may be part of recovery. The incision leaves a scar that may be visible and whose appearance depends on each person's healing. Possible complications considered include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, excessive or insufficient reduction and possible narrowing of the airway. If it is part of more extensive nasal surgery, the risks of that combined procedure are also explained.
The aesthetic result may not match expectations.
These complications are very rare. During the consultation, following medical assessment, the risks and scar are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Before deciding
Frequently asked
questions.
The most frequently asked questions about surgery on the base of the nose.
What does an alarplasty operation involve?
It involves changing the size of the nostrils through incisions in the natural folds of the nasal wings. Reference descriptions place it within rhinoplasty, alongside the other planned changes.
Is it performed on its own or as part of rhinoplasty?
The alar base can be included in the rhinoplasty plan. Whether it is treated on its own or in combination, and whether this is available, must be established during the consultation after examining the nose and its relationship to the face.
What does the scar look like after alar resection?
The incision is placed in a natural skin fold, which helps conceal it. Even so, all surgery leaves a scar, and its appearance depends on each person and how healing progresses.
What are the risks of nasal alar resection?
Swelling can be part of recovery. The incision leaves a scar that may be visible and whose appearance depends on each person's healing. Possible complications considered include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, excessive or insufficient reduction and possible narrowing of the airway. If it forms part of more extensive nasal surgery, the risks of that combined procedure are also explained. These complications are very rare. During the consultation, following the medical assessment, the risks and the scar are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Related procedures
Other procedures
in the same area.
Revision rhinoplasty
Surgery on a nose that has already been operated on. The assessment starts with the previous procedure and the condition of the tissues.
Septorhinoplasty
Corrects the septum and the external shape of the nose in the same procedure, when the deviation affects breathing and appearance.