Nostril Reduction Surgery – Alarplasty in Sydney by Dr Kernohan
- Do you have Wide nostrils?
- Is breathing through your nose difficult/ do you have breathing problems?
- Do you suffer Nasal Flaring?
Alarplasty or Nostril Surgery is a procedure to reshape your nose using a small incision at the base of the nostrils.
Nostril Surgery or Alarplasty can help to surgically correct excessive nasal base width, reduce nasal flaring and improve nasal symmetry. Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan offers Alarplasty surgery in Sydney.
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What is an Alarplasty ?
Alarplasty is a surgical technique done to correct anomalies in the shape, size, or asymmetry of the base of the nose.
Technically, Alarplasty is a specific technique of rhinoplasty (a popular cosmetic procedure often referred to as a nose job). Alarplasty may sometimes be referred to as alar trimming or alar base reduction. Essentially, the procedure reduces the width and size of the nostrils by removing parts of tissue for the alar (wing) of the nose.
By reshaping the base of your nose, your face may appear more balanced.
Who is suitable for Nostril Surgery?
Variations in the nose’s structure and shape are often seen among individuals of different ethnicities.
For Caucasian faces, alar flaring may be evident when the width of the base of the nose extends beyond the distance between the inner corners of the eyelids (intercanthal distance). This may necessitate nasal base reduction surgery.
Nonetheless, the need for alarplasty in Australia often arises from ethnic differences, personal preferences, and specific medical conditions.
In addition to correcting existing anatomic defects, individuals may opt for the procedure if they have flared nostrils possibly due to their genetics, past accidents, or past rhinoplasties/nasal surgeries.
If you are considering alar base reduction procedure, make sure that:
- You are a non-smoker, or at least be willing to quit smoking several weeks prior to and after the procedure
- You do not have any other existing functional problems with your nose
- You are physically and mentally fit to undergo surgery
- You understand the specifics of the procedure
- You have realistic expectations of the outcome.
Book a consultation and find out if you qualify for Alarplasty surgery with Dr Michael Kernohan
Benefits of Alarplasty
The wings of your nose (alar) connect the nostrils to your face. Thus, their shape and structure have a strong impact on how your face looks as a whole. Indeed, how the front of your face looks is strongly dependent on the definition and shape of your nostrils.
A widely accepted standard is that the alar width should not extended beyond the intercanthal distance. The goal of Alarplasty is thus to reduce alar width. Consequently, the potential benefits of this procedure include:
- Reducing flaring of the nasal alae
- Narrowing of the nostrils
- Altering the aesthetics of the nose
- Creating more symmetrical nostrils
- Increasing facial balance by altering proportionality and symmetry
- Increase nose function, in other words making it easier to breathe
The Alarplasty Procedure
Alarplasty is based on a technique that dates back to 1892. In that year, Robert Wier described how external alar wedge incisions could be used to alter alar flares. Later in 1931, Joseph and Milstein demonstrated how similar results could be achieved through internal excisions from the vestibular floor and nostril base.
The aplastic techniques used today are primarily modified from the methods described by Wier, Joseph, and Milstein.
Generally, once the need for alar-based reduction has been established, Dr Kernohan may use one or more of the techniques explained below.
Option 1 – Alar Wedge Excision (or the Modified Weir Incision)
This is the technique of choice for excessive alar flaring. Dr Kernohan makes an incision along the crease where the nose and cheek meet. Subsequently, excess tissue is removed from the ala in a wedge-like fashion.
The technique prevents over-straightening of the alar, thereby preserving the natural curvature of the nose. When done correctly, the nose heals without leaving any telltale signs of the procedure.
It’s common for the alar wedge excision maneuver to be performed in concert with a nasal sill excision.
Option 2 – Nasal Sill Excision
This technique is often done when the alar base is wide, and the nasal sill is also large.
In the nasal sill technique, Dr Kernohan makes an incision inside the nose and removes tissue from the alar base. By excising the alar base, narrowing of the nostrils can be achieved. Additionally, since the incisions are internal, the amount of visible scarring post-surgery is slight.
Sill excisions are often done alongside wedge excisions with or without V-Y advancement.
Option 3 – V-Y Advancement
Besides the wedge and sill techniques, there are many other ways for a Dr Kernohan to perform alarplasty. One such method is the V-Y advancement technique.
In this maneuver, he makes an additional incision on the lateral aspect of the wedge incision described above.
The Alarplasty Patient Journey with Dr Kernohan
Consultation with Dr Kernohan
The journey begins with finding a qualified Rhinoplasty Surgeon with significant experience in performing successful nose surgery and Alarplasty procedures.
Before agreeing to perform an alarplasty procedure, Dr Kernohan will carefully examine your nose to exclude or elicit concurrent deformities and diseases. He will additionally assess your eligibility to undergo the procedure.
Once the relevant criteria have been met and you qualify for the procedure, Dr Kernohan will explain, in detail, everything that’s going to happen as well as the expected outcome and possible complications.
During the consultation, you are strongly encouraged to ask any questions or concerns that you might have about the procedure. Be as candid as you possibly can when talking to your surgeon.
Remember to also ask about the costs and financing options for the procedure.
Surgery Preparation
In the days leading to the procedure:
- Avoid smoking– it may impair the healing process
- Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and alcohol
- Arrange for pick up at the hospital after the surgery – you will not be able to drive
- Ask a friend to come over and stay with you for a day or two after the surgery if you live alone.
On the day of the Alarplasty, be sure to follow all the guidelines Dr Kernohan recommends regarding your preparation for the surgery.
Performing The Alarplasty procedure
Alarplasty, when performed as the only nose surgery procedure may be an outpatient procedure done within thirty minutes to one hour. Alarplasty may also be done in conjunction with Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty surgery.
Depending on Dr Kernohan’s recommendations, alarplasty may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. After the procedure, you’ll likely be able to go back home, on the same day.
Recovery after Alarplasty
Most patients will be able to perform most normal daily activities approximately a week after surgery, however there will still be some restrictions.
After the procedure, you may experience some bruising and swelling, which will dissipate over the coming days. You will receive medication to ease any pain and/or discomfort. You surgeon may also place a cast or splint over your nose for the first week to support your nose as it heals.
It’s recommended that a patient takes some time off work for a week or two post-surgery.
During the first week or two after the procedure, you should refrain from:
- Blowing your nose
- Sleeping on your face
- Swimming
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Excessive chewing
- Strenuous activities and exercise
- Smoking
Although recovery takes time, the aesthetics of your face and nose will continue to become more evident over time as the contours settle in and nose shape and structure conform to the rest of your face.
The results of Alarplasty are usually permanent unless you injure or damage your nose.
Alarplasty Risks And Complications
As with all surgeries, alarplasty has its risks and complications.
After the procedure, any one of the following complications may occur: swelling, bruising, bleeding and infection, among others.
Dr Kernohan will explain to you all possible risks in detail so that you can make an informed decision.
Alarplasty Price & Costs – How much is Alarplasty in Sydney?
The cost of alarplasty may vary depending on your specific case. Nevertheless, having the procedure done by a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney can be around $10,000 upwards depending on your surgeon’s skill & experience, the hospital and location.
One of the biggest mistakes a patient can make when undergoing alarplasty is having it done by an underqualified, undertrained doctor in a back room or day surgery just because their prices were lower than what you would pay at an accredited health facility or surgical theater.
Cheap alarplasty procedures are often done under less-than-ideal conditions by people who lack the relevant medical training. Thus, the risk of complication risk is high.
For more information about Alarplasty prices visit Dr Kernohan’s pricing page
Contact Dr. Kernohan’s team to get a quote on Alarplasty cost and payment options available in Sydney.
Funding Your Alarplasty
Alarplasty is usually an elective cosmetic or aesthetic nose surgery. As such, it typically isn’t covered by most medical health insurance as it may not be covered by Medicare. If you have functional or breathing problems, you may be eligible for a Medicare item number.
How to find the Right Nostril Surgeon in Sydney
Do your thorough homework when researching the right rhinoplasty surgeon.
Ideally, choose a surgeon who:
- Is a specialist plastic surgeon skilled in rhinoplasty with an aesthetic focus
- Is experienced in nostril and nasal surgery
- Operates in proper, accredited health facilities
- Has a good support team, including anesthetists and nurses
- Offers excellent post-surgery aftercare
Why Choose Dr Michael Kernohan?
Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon with years of experience in procedures of the Face, Nose and Ears.
He has spent a lifetime acquiring the training and hands-on surgical experience needed to perform precise cosmetic procedures that produce lasting and satisfactory results.
He is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and dedicated member of the Australia Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). As a specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney, Dr Michael works alongside a team of highly trained medical professionals committed to providing exceptional, world-class healthcare in a personalised, secure, and caring environment.
