By Dr Leow Aik Ming
Nasal base varies with one’s ethnicity. Wide flaring nostril and large nostril openings are very common among the Africans, Asians and occasionally in Caucasians. In general, the width of the eye or the area between the eyes comprises about one-fifth of the facial width. On a frontal view, a wide nasal base may distract the apparent facial balance or distract the surrounding facial features.
The shape of the nose base, when viewed from below, is generally triangular in shape. The shape of the outer nostril wall (nasal alar) ideally displays a gentle convexity between the nasal tip and nose-cheek junction (alar crease). When the shape of the nasal alar demonstrates an accentuated convexity, this may detract from nasal or facial balance.
Preoperative evaluation before alarplasty
- Discussion about expectation and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical or surgical treatment
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs should be revealed
- Discussion of type of anaesthesia
- Examination of the nose and face
- Photography for preoperative and postoperative evaluation.
Postoperative expectations
Post surgical swelling peaks at about two to three days after surgery and gradually subsides thereafter. Most patients return to work on 1-2 days after surgery. The recovering time from alarplasty usually takes about 7-14 days in most cases for the swelling and bruises to subside. Any external visible sutures are removed one week after surgery. An appreciable improvement in the visible scars at the alar crease or inside the nostrils is evident at one month and will continue to become inconspicuous 6-12 months after surgery. Routine postoperative follow up are periodically scheduled for the year following surgery to ensure optimal healing.