Nares surgery encompasses various procedures performed on the nostrils or nasal openings to improve their function, appearance, or both. These interventions address structural issues that impede airflow or provide cosmetic enhancements to the nostril shape.
Why Nares Surgery is Needed
Individuals may seek nares surgery for various medical and functional reasons. A primary motivation involves addressing breathing difficulties caused by structural issues within the nasal passages. Conditions such as nasal valve collapse, where the sidewalls of the nose weaken and restrict airflow, frequently necessitate surgical intervention. Alar rim weakness or retraction, which affects the nostril’s integrity, can also contribute to breathing problems.
Nares surgery also aims to correct deformities, whether congenital or resulting from injury or previous surgeries. Improving nasal airflow is a common goal, as restricted breathing can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, potentially leading to chronic congestion, snoring, or sleep disturbances.
Different Nares Surgical Procedures
Several distinct procedures fall under the umbrella of nares surgery, each addressing specific concerns related to the nostrils. Alar reduction, also known as alarplasty, is a common cosmetic procedure designed to refine the shape and size of the nostrils, often reducing excessive width or flare. This involves removing a small amount of tissue from the alar, the fleshy part of the nose connecting the nostrils to the face, to achieve a more balanced appearance.
Nasal valve repair focuses on strengthening the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway, which can collapse and impede breathing. This procedure often involves using cartilage grafts to reinforce the nasal sidewalls and prevent collapse during inhalation. These grafts help maintain the nostril’s opening and support.
What to Expect During Nares Surgery
The journey for nares surgery typically begins with an initial consultation where the surgeon assesses the patient’s nasal structure and discusses their goals. Pre-operative instructions will include guidelines such as discontinuing certain medications and fasting before the procedure. Nares surgery can be performed using either local anesthesia with sedation, where the nose is numbed and the patient is relaxed, or general anesthesia, which induces sleep.
During the operation, the surgeon makes precise incisions. For procedures like alar reduction, small sections of tissue are carefully removed to reshape the nostrils. In nasal valve repair, cartilage is precisely placed and secured to support the nasal structures, aiming to improve airflow.
Recovery and Outcomes After Nares Surgery
Following nares surgery, patients can expect an initial recovery period marked by some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the nose and eyes. Most of the visible swelling subsides within two to three months, though subtle swelling, particularly at the nasal tip, can persist for up to a year. Post-surgical care instructions include keeping the surgical area clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and refraining from wearing glasses that rest on the nose for several weeks.
The expected outcomes include improved nasal breathing and a more balanced nasal appearance. While initial results may be noticeable within a week or two, the nose continues to refine as swelling resolves, with full results becoming evident around 12 months post-surgery. Potential considerations can include infection or asymmetry.