Thickened alae result from dense skin, abundant subcutaneous tissue, and thickened cartilage framework with outward bulging, creating a clumsy appearance. Ala reduction surgery is currently an advanced solution for enlarged alae, favored by many beauty seekers to achieve flawless beauty.
Multiple ala reduction techniques exist, requiring selection based on individual conditions:
I. For those with small nostrils but excessively thick alae or overly full upper alar folds:
A skin incision is made along the anterior border of the lateral alar cartilage. The skin is then dissected from the underlying alar cartilage. Excess soft tissue covering the cartilage is excised, followed by appropriate resection of the upper and lateral portions of the alar cartilage.Subsequently, suture the incisions inside the nostrils and on the inner surface of the alar base.Design incisions at the alar base and lower alar sulcus. Under local anesthesia, excise appropriate full-thickness tissue from the alar base, then internally rotate and advance the tissue to narrow the nostrils. Close with layered interrupted sutures.
III. For wide alar rims:
Partially excise the free tissue pedicle of the alar rim. After reshaping, suture the incision to the inner surface of the alar rim.
Achieving an ideal nasal contour through alar reduction requires: meticulous sculpting of nasal details; consideration of overall facial structure for harmonious balance; minimally invasive, pain-free procedures ensuring safety and precision; and concealed intra-nasal incisions for rapid recovery with no visible scarring.