Does Alar Reduction Surgery Reverse? Causes and Prevention Explained｜What to Do If It Happens

Nostril reduction is a cosmetic procedure that carries a potential risk of relapse. That said, relapse does not necessarily occur. To avoid regret after nostril reduction, it’s crucial to correctly understand the possibility of post-operative relapse. This article explains the causes of relapse after nostril reduction and methods to prevent it. We’ve also compiled solutions for when relapse occurs and common questions. To ensure you receive appropriate treatment, why not deepen your understanding of nostril reduction and relapse?

Causes of Regression After Alar Reduction Surgery

Post-operative relapse after alar reduction refers to the nose returning to its pre-operative shape for some reason after surgery. First, let’s understand the main causes of relapse following alar reduction.

The surgical design and suturing were not appropriate.

During alar reduction surgery, if skin incisions and suturing are not performed appropriately, there is a risk of relapse. For example, if too little skin is excised, the nose may struggle to maintain its shape when subjected to forces attempting to pull it outward. Furthermore, relapse may occur if suturing is inadequate, making the wound prone to opening, or conversely, if the sutures are pulled too tightly, creating excessive tension.

A surgical procedure was selected that was incompatible with the shape of the nose and the thickness of the skin.

Undergoing alar reduction using a surgical method unsuitable for one’s individual characteristics is also a cause of relapse. There are several types of alar reduction procedures, including the internal approach, external approach, and flap technique, each differing in procedure content and characteristics. The suitability of a surgical method depends on factors such as the shape of the nose and skin thickness. To prevent relapse in alar reduction, determining the appropriate surgical method is essential.

There were issues with how they spent their time during the postoperative downtime.

Even if the alar reduction procedure is performed correctly, improper post-operative care may lead to a relapse.

・ Blowing your
nose forcefully ・ Touching
wounds ・ Vigorous
exercise ・ Drinking alcohol

Performing these actions during the downtime period may cause strain on the suture site or hinder wound healing, potentially leading to a relapse of the alar base reduction.

The patient’s skin elasticity and other physical characteristics were not suitable for alar reduction surgery.

Individual results may vary significantly with alar reduction surgery, and outcomes are highly influenced by factors such as skin thickness, elasticity, and healing capacity. In particular, individuals with highly elastic skin tend to exhibit a stronger tendency for the nose to revert to its original shape post-surgery.

Tips to Prevent Nose Wing Reduction from Reversing and Maintain Your Results

Let’s explore specific methods to prevent relapse after alar reduction and maintain your ideal results.

[Pre-Surgery] Identify a Trustworthy Doctor During Consultation

To prevent relapse after alar reduction surgery, it is crucial to determine whether the doctor is trustworthy through consultation. When choosing a clinic for treatment, base your decision on whether they can accurately understand your ideal outcome—including your nose shape and skin type—and whether they possess the technical skill to propose an appropriate procedure.

【Post-operative】Follow the proper guidelines for your downtime period.

To prevent relapse after alar reduction surgery, it is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions and rest during the downtime period. Refrain from drinking alcohol and strenuous exercise, and take care not to irritate your nose.
Regularly visiting the clinic for follow-up checks with your doctor is also an effective way to prevent relapse.

[Post-operative] Incorporate self-care practices to maintain results

After surgery, incorporating self-care practices alongside rest will help maintain the results of your alar reduction. Keeping your skin clean and taking prescribed medications are effective ways to prevent regression after alar reduction.Immediate cooling care after surgery helps reduce downtime symptoms like swelling and bruising that occur with both the internal and external approaches to alar reduction, leading to proper healing of the affected area.
However, be sure to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions when performing self-care.

What to Do If You Feel Your Nose Has “Gone Back” After Alar Reduction Surgery

Here’s what to do if you feel like your nose is “reverting” after alar reduction surgery.

Confirm the postoperative period and current status

After alar reduction surgery, it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the tissue to stabilize and the appearance to settle. Until then, symptoms of downtime such as swelling and puffiness may make it appear as though the size or width of the nostrils has not improved. If the nose appears larger due to downtime symptoms, it will gradually approach the desired outcome over time.

Consult the clinic where I had alar reduction surgery

If you experience any discomfort with the final results even after the downtime symptoms have subsided at least three months post-surgery, please consult the medical facility where you received the procedure. The doctor who performed the procedure will be able to understand your situation smoothly, including the entire history. Based on that, ask them to determine what options are available and whether revision surgery is necessary.

Considering a second opinion

If you have concerns about undergoing further treatment at the clinic where you originally received the procedure, seeking a second opinion at another facility is one option. When considering a new clinic for revision surgery, choose a medical institution that offers revision surgery guarantees and has a proven track record of performing revisions from other clinics. For alar reduction, in addition to confirming what type of procedure is available—such as the medial or lateral approach—be sure to review their case studies.

Options and Considerations for Revision Surgery

If a relapse occurs after alar reduction surgery, it is entirely possible that revision surgery will be necessary for improvement. Revision surgery may involve performing the same procedure as the initial surgery with enhanced quality, combining different techniques, or switching to an entirely different approach. When undergoing revision surgery
, it is important to be aware of the risks of infection, anesthesia complications, and scarring. Also, keep in mind that revision surgery is often more technically challenging than the initial procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nose Wing Reduction Regression [Q&A]

Here, we have compiled questions related to the recurrence of results after alar base reduction.

Minimizing the Risk of Reversal | LIVIN CLINIC’s Nasal Wing Reduction Surgery

Finally, we introduce LIVIN CLINIC’s alar reduction (nose wing reduction) procedure, designed to minimize the risk of regression.

Customized treatment proposals tailored to each individual’s nose

Nostril reduction is beneficial for those concerned about the prominence of their nostrils. Achieving a natural result requires both design expertise and technical skill.At LIVIN CLINIC, our alar base reduction (nose wing reduction) prioritizes achieving both significant change and a natural result. By
appropriately addressing each patient’s unique nasal features—such as the natural curve of the nostrils, the groove on the outer edge of the alar base, and the ridge at the base of the nasal cavity—we achieve a beautiful outcome. For those concerned that “just alar base reduction might look unnatural?”, we can also propose different procedures.

▷Nasal Wing Reduction

Design and technique by experienced physicians that account for regression

At LIVIN CLINIC, experienced physicians specializing in facial surgery and injectable treatments—including nose and eye area procedures—perform all treatments. Based on your desired outcome and simulations, we determine the design while considering the overall facial balance, not just the nose. We also allocate ample time for consultations addressing concerns about the final result and potential regression.

Comprehensive aftercare provides thorough support to alleviate post-operative concerns

At LIVIN CLINIC, we accept consultations regarding post-operative care—such as concerns like “What if it reverts?”—24 hours a day via our official LINE account. During business hours, phone consultations are also available. The director personally handles these inquiries. We strive to provide thorough support to alleviate anxiety from before treatment through to aftercare.

Understanding the Recurrence of Alar Reduction for a Regret-Free Choice

To prevent relapse after alar reduction, proper surgical technique and post-operative care are crucial. Furthermore, thorough consultation and the surgeon’s skill are indispensable. If you suspect “Is it relapsing?”, consult your clinic once the downtime symptoms have subsided. Relapse after alar reduction does not necessarily occur. Understand alar reduction correctly and make a choice you won’t regret.

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【Procedure Details】Nasal Wing
Reduction (Alar Reduction)
【Estimated Treatment
Duration and Sessions】Typically 1 session ※May
vary depending on individual condition.
【Procedure
Time】Approximately
1 hour【Cost】¥330,000 to ¥495,000 ※This procedure is self-pay (not covered by insurance).
【Face Washing, Bathing】No nasal
cast is applied. Face washing is possible starting the next day.
【Makeup】 Sutures are removed after one week
. Makeup may be applied starting the day after suture removal.
【Risks & Side Effects (Possible Occurrences)
】Infection, wound dehiscence, impaired blood flow, swelling, bruising, nosebleeds, nasal congestion, scarring on the columella, decreased sensation in the nasal tip or ears, nasal tilt, inability to elevate the nasal tip, asymmetry in nasal shape, hardening of the nasal tip, sensation of a rounded nasal tip.