Alar base reduction, sometimes referred to as alarplasty, is a highly specialised nasal procedure that reduces the width of the nostrils to achieve a more refined, proportionate appearance. One of the most frequently asked questions from patients is whether there will be visible scars after surgery.
At Centre for Surgery, our Baker Street private hospital in central London is dedicated to performing procedures with precision, care, and attention to detail. Our surgeons have extensive expertise in facial plastic surgery, including both standalone alar base reduction and combined rhinoplasty procedures. With our tailored approach and meticulous technique, scars are typically minimal, well-hidden, and fade naturally over time.
What Is Alar Base Reduction And Why Scars Form
Alar base reduction involves creating small incisions at the junction where the nostrils meet the cheeks. By removing a carefully measured wedge of tissue, the nostrils can be narrowed and reshaped for improved facial balance. Scars form because the body repairs itself by producing collagen fibres at the site of the incision. The process of scar maturation is gradual and can take up to twelve months to fully settle.
What Do Alar Base Reduction Scars Look Like Immediately After Surgery?
In the days following surgery, patients can expect some redness and swelling around the incision sites. Stitches are usually removed after about a week. Bruising around the nose and upper lip may also accompany the scars during recovery.
RELATED: How Long Does it Take for Alarplasty to Heal?
How Scars Evolve In The Months After Surgery
By the three-month mark, the scars often look much lighter in colour and softer in texture. By six months, the majority of patients report that the scars are barely visible. At one year, the final result is usually complete.
What Can Patients Do To Minimise Scars?
Keeping the incision area clean and dry, avoiding touching or picking at scabs, applying approved ointments or silicone gels as directed, protecting the nose from direct sun exposure, and not smoking are all key aftercare steps. Some patients may benefit from additional treatments such as laser resurfacing, but these are rarely needed when performed by an experienced specialist.
RELATED: Alar Rim Retraction: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Can Alar Base Reduction Be Performed Without External Scars?
In some cases, surgeons may use internal incisions hidden inside the nostrils to reduce their width. This approach avoids external scars entirely, but it is not suitable for everyone and may limit the amount of tissue that can be removed.
Does Ethnicity Play A Role In Scar Visibility?
Yes, skin type and ethnicity can affect the way scars heal. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons have extensive experience in performing ethnic rhinoplasty and alar base reduction, taking care to place incisions in the most discreet positions possible and providing tailored aftercare advice across all skin types.
How Long Does It Take To See Final Results?
Patients can usually return to normal activities within a week. The final results of alar base reduction, including scar maturation, can take up to a year. During this period, the scars will continue to fade and the shape of the nose will refine.
Suitability For Alar Base Reduction
Alar base reduction is suitable for individuals who feel their nostrils are too wide, too round, or flare excessively. It is often performed as a standalone procedure, but it can also be combined with rhinoplasty for more comprehensive reshaping.
FAQs
Will Scars From Alar Base Reduction Be Permanent?
Yes, scars are permanent, but they typically fade to the point where they are almost invisible with expert technique and proper aftercare.
Can Alar Base Reduction Be Done With Other Procedures?
Yes, alar base reduction can be performed alongside rhinoplasty or other facial procedures to create balanced, harmonious results.
Will My Breathing Be Affected By Alar Base Reduction?
When performed correctly, alar base reduction should not affect nasal function or breathing. If you have existing breathing issues, these can be addressed through septorhinoplasty.
Related Rhinoplasty Guides
- Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
- How Much Does a Nose Job Cost?
- Rhinoplasty FAQs
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty
- Revision Rhinoplasty
- Nasal Tip Surgery
- Septorhinoplasty — Combining Rhinoplasty & Septoplasty
Why Choose Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is one of London’s leading clinics for cosmetic and plastic surgery, with a strong reputation in facial procedures such as rhinoplasty and alar base reduction. Our GMC-registered consultants are highly experienced in delivering natural, refined results.
Book A Consultation
Call us on 0207 993 4849 or email contact@centreforsurgery.com to book a consultation at our Baker Street clinic. Finance options including 0% APR are available through Chrysalis Finance.
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