Comprehensive Guide to Alar Reduction Procedure and Aftercare

콧벽축소 진행과정 및 관리법 총정리

When facing another person,

the eyes and nose are

the features that hold attention the longest.

Among them, the eyes and nose

tend to receive the most focus.

It is commonly said that the eyes are the window to the soul,

and they are known as a representative feature

that determines each person's image.

However, the nose surprisingly plays a decisive role.

The reason is that it is located at

the center of the face and is

the most protruding part of the face.

If the alae spread widely outward,

the nose will not look sharp

even if the bridge is high.

Today, we will cover

alar reduction,

which can improve this.

If the nose appears wide and flat from side to side,

even if the rest of the features are sharp,

it can give a dull impression.

Because the shape of the nose changes very little

even when making facial expressions,

it can also create a heavy or stuffy impression.

If this is improved, the face can be reborn with

a more refined and defined image.

These days, the importance of the midface

is being emphasized,

and more people are looking into alar reduction

to neatly refine dull and flat areas.

Alar reduction basically includes an incision method.

If the incision range is kept small

and the incision line is placed along the crease

and the lower boundary line, visible traces are reduced.

Suturing is performed inside the nostrils,

and delicate suturing can reduce

a sense of inconsistency with the surrounding area.

Sometimes, uneven left-right symmetry can cause a side-to-side imbalance.

To prevent this, careful planning about symmetry and angles

must be done in advance.

At our clinic, we thoroughly approach the planning stage

to ensure left-right symmetry.

Some people choose a non-incisional method

because they are uncomfortable with incisions.

Needles and thread can be used to reduce the size

of the alae,

and it is favored by many because the procedure time

and recovery period are short,

and it leaves no scar.

However, the inserted thread may cause a foreign-body sensation,

and the degree of change may be smaller than expected,

which can be disappointing.

Since the duration lasts about 6 months to 1 year,

it eventually returns to its original state.

Still, opting for an incision method can make some hesitate,

worrying that a noticeable scar may remain in a visible area.

There is also the drawback that recovery takes more than two weeks,

meaning discomfort must be endured for a long time.

Although you may think that since an incision was made,

it must be permanent,

it is surprisingly semi-permanent.

If this has been disappointing and has caused you to keep postponing alar reduction,

we recommend looking into a solution that uses a smaller incision.

The procedure time is about 20 minutes,

similar to a non-incisional method,

and the recovery period is also relatively short at one week.

Because it is performed with a small incision,

there is almost no scar,

and you can maintain the changed appearance permanently

without worrying about recurrence.

No matter how simple the method is,

pre- and post-procedure checks are essential

for a stable procedure.

You must be sure to tell the medical staff

about any history of general anesthesia,

underlying conditions, and any side effects from medications.

Starting one week before, you should avoid alcohol and smoking,

and if you are taking any medication,

you should consult the doctor in charge

to decide whether to stop it.

Depending on the anesthesia method, all food and drink,

including water, must be withheld starting 6 or 8 hours before.

Since you will be discharged the same day without hospitalization,

please prepare sunglasses, a hat, a scarf,

or a mask to protect the incision area.

Aftercare following alar reduction is also important.

During the recovery period, you need to care for yourself at home

based on the instructions provided in advance

so that the wound can heal smoothly.

Immediately after the procedure and up to two days later,

bleeding may occur from the incision area,

and any discharge or blood should be gently wiped away

with clean gauze or tissue.

Even if there is discharge inside the nose,

do not insert cotton swabs or tissue into the nostrils,

and when blowing your nose, do not blow hard.

Until the third day, use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising,

and from the fourth day, you can use warm compresses.

Up to the third day, swelling and bruising may become quite pronounced.

When sleeping, using a high pillow or sleeping while leaning against a wall

may help reduce swelling.

Since you cannot wear glasses for at least 4 to 6 weeks,

contact lenses are recommended during this period.

The stitches are removed after one week,

and you may wash your face and apply makeup starting the day after removal.

Take the prescribed medication according to the instructions

to reduce inflammation and control pain,

and avoiding smoking and alcohol for at least 4 weeks

will help you recover more quickly.

If you follow only the guidance provided by the medical institution,

you will recover smoothly and your overall impression will become more refined.

Once the recovery period has passed and the incision area has healed and settled,

your facial expressions will look natural even when speaking or smiling,

and you may give others a more refined and positive impression.

Of course, to be satisfied with the result,

the preoperative design process must also proceed in the right direction.

The medical staff must establish a plan that satisfies the patient's needs

while also matching each individual's image.

In addition, they must find and apply a method that is safe and appropriate.

The nose, along with the eyes, is a factor

that determines a person's impression.

If the nose shape alone is beautifully defined,

it can lead to the other facial features appearing harmonious.

If you have no complaints about the height of the bridge or the shape of the tip,

but only the alae are widely spread from side to side,

considering alar reduction may be a good option.

Of course, when making this decision,

it is necessary to carefully consider various factors

comprehensively.

If you want a natural shape that fits you perfectly,

please choose a place that can present a wide range of related cases

and proceed there.

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