Alarplasty

Precise and Refined Alarplasty

At Your Cosmetic Office in Encinitas, California, we understand how subtle changes made to the shape and size of the nose can have a big impact on one’s confidence. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Mario Yco specializes in the precise and refined alarplasty procedure,

which is designed to address concerns related to nostril width, asymmetry, or flaring. At Your Cosmetic Office, we are committed to achieving natural-looking results that complement each patient’s unique features and goals.

What Is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty is a specialized type of nasal plastic surgery that is designed to reshape and refine the outer wings of the nostrils, known as the alae. This surgical intervention is designed to address concerns related to nostril width, asymmetry, or excessive flaring, with the goal of achieving a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. When tailoring the procedure to each patient, Dr. Yco takes into account your unique anatomical features as well as your specific goals. As a more refined nasal surgery, this procedure does not address the appearance of the entire nose but can introduce more overall facial harmony.

Who Is a Candidate for Alarplasty?

In order to have alarplasty done, you must be in good overall health and be a nonsmoker. If you feel your nose has a flared appearance or your nostrils look open and prominent, alarplasty can help diminish the appearance of these concerns. This is also a great procedure to be done after a previous rhinoplasty to establish even more precise enhancement. Your specific nose shape and current health conditions will also determine your candidacy for alarplasty. The best way to know if you qualify for this procedure is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Yco at Your Cosmetic Office.

Alarplasty Procedure

Depending on the intensity of your procedure, you will be given either a general or local anesthetic during your alarplasty, ensuring you do not feel a thing. Dr. Yco will begin by making an incision to carve out a small part of the alae. Once the skin has been removed, Dr. Yco will stitch up the base of the alar before wrapping the surgical site in a clean dressing. Alarplasty is a relatively quick procedure, and you will be sent home the same day.

Post-Op Care

If you were put under general anesthesia for your alarplasty, you will need to get a ride home from a friend or family member. You may be prescribed pain medication to take while you recover, but over-the-counter pain medication is also a great way to manage any discomfort. It is important to follow all post-op recovery instructions very carefully in order to prevent any infection. While you may experience some mild redness and swelling for up to one week after the procedure, an alarplasty boasts a rather quick recovery. Final results can be seen after about 1-3 months. To speed up your recovery, Dr. Yco may recommend hyperbaric Coz treatments or red light therapy.

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