Alarplasty / Wide Nostril Reduction Surgery in Charlotte Overview
Treats: Wide, big, or flared nostrils and breathing issues
Length: Less than 1 hour
Anesthesia: Awake or asleep
In/Outpatient: Outpatient
Side Effects: Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose, minor bleeding, nasal congestion
Risks: Bleeding, scarring, infection, or side effects from anesthesia
Recovery: 1-2 weeks
Duration of Results: Permanent
Alarplasty Before and After Photos
Testimonial
Dr. Kulbersh helped me feel much more comfortable going into the surgery. I knew what to expect. The surgery went very well and the recovery was even better than I expected it to be. I am very please with my results, I would recommend him to anyone who is interested in this procedure.
Caring892517, Real Self
Alarplasty focuses on altering the base of the nose and treats the following concerns:
- Nose shape – Altering the alar crease makes the nostrils smaller by creating a narrower nasal shape.
- Nose size – Surgery can create smaller nostrils that are proportionate to the rest of the nose.
- Breathing function – By correcting nasal asymmetry, patients often find they can breathe easier.
Dr. Kulbersh is board-certified in head and neck surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic surgery. He focuses primarily on facial rejuvenation procedures and has extensive training and experience in rhinoplasty, including alar base reduction.
Trained by the best in Beverly Hills, Dr. Kulbersh developed unique and advanced techniques for achieving natural-looking results. Each patient receives a tailored approach as Dr. Kulbersh carefully considers their goals, desires, and ethnicity when creating his surgical plan. The African American nose is often characterized by a wide base, so Dr. Kulbersh performs many alarplasty procedures for his patients of color.
Dr. Kulbersh performs his procedures in his own private Fairview Surgical Suites, an accredited facility for cosmetic procedures. Patients can choose to spend some of their recovery time at our Fairview Recovery Retreat, a resort-style setting with round-the-clock nursing care.
Anyone who has nostrils that are disproportionate to the rest of the nose is a potential candidate for alar base reduction. Those who desire a more refined nasal shape after a previous rhinoplasty or would like to correct a nasal deformity due to a traumatic injury may also benefit from this surgical procedure.
Ideal alar base reduction candidates are in good general health, non-smokers, and at least 16 years of age to ensure their facial features are already fully developed. Full development typically occurs between 13-14 for girls and 15-16 for boys.
The best way to determine your eligibility for alar base reduction is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulbersh.
If you’d like to learn more about nose reduction surgery or find out if it is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kulbersh by calling our office at (704) 842-3644 or completing our online contact form.
Frequently asked questions
Dr. Kulbersh removes nasal tissue from the area where the nostril connects to the cheek at the alar base. He reshapes the tissue to narrow the base of the nose and closes the incisions with sutures to hold the new nasal shape. Incisions are typically made either inside the nasal cavity or at the base of the nose and are hidden within the natural crease of the nose. The result is a narrower shape with smaller nostrils and minimal alarplasty scars.
Dr. Kulbersh can perform alarplasty under local anesthesia and the procedure often takes an hour or less. However, if another correction is needed, the procedure may be performed as a full rhinoplasty with general anesthesia and take longer to complete. Alarplasty is done as an outpatient procedure, so you may go home after your surgery.
Recovery time after alarplasty is relatively quick since no bone or cartilage is removed. Post-surgery swelling and bruising typically resolve within 1-2 weeks, during which sutures are removed. Most patients return to their normal activities one week after surgery and resume more strenuous activities after two to three weeks. You can expect a full recovery in 1-3 months.
Alarplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia. It is a quick, straightforward procedure that is performed conservatively and generally well tolerated by patients. Pain medication may be taken, but most patients find it unnecessary.
You may discuss all your questions and concerns with Dr. Kulbersh before your surgery. He will be able to address them and recommend the best preparation and after-care solutions that ensure a smooth recovery process.
If nostril reduction surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes, insurance will not cover it. If it is done to address breathing and functional issues, a portion of the procedure may be covered. Check with your insurance carrier before undergoing surgery to confirm possible benefits available.
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