Alar Lift (Drooping Alae Correction)

Alar lift is a procedure that adjusts the drooping of the nasal alae to create a balanced, refined impression. Drooping alae (alar ptosis), where the alae hang down when viewed from the front, are a common feature of East Asian noses; while some consider this a soft, youthful feature, it also makes the nose look more prominent.

Recommended for those with these concerns:

Wide nasal bridge
Deviated nose
Alar ptosis
Drooping alae
Appearance of the nostrils

Procedure Details

Crescent-shaped markings are made on the upper part of the nasal alae, and local anesthesia is administered. Thereafter, the skin of the designed area is excised and sutured.

1. An incision is made along the marked line at the upper edge of the alae (the alar crease), and the alae are freed from the underlying tissue.
2. The nasal alae are moved upward.
3. The area under the nasal alae is sutured to bring the skin together.

Recovery and Aftercare

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable for the first 1–2 weeks after surgery. The nose continues to settle for about 3 months, after which the final shape is visible.

Daily Life

Please sleep on your back so that no strong external force is applied to the nose. Please also avoid touching or wetting the surgical site for the first week, or until your doctor tells you it is safe to do so.

Risks and Side Effects

Risks and side effects include swelling, bruising, pain, edema, redness, scarring, and infection.

Price

Alar Lift

¥495,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will scars be noticeable?

Scar visibility varies from person to person; scars usually fade over about 3–6 months. They can generally be concealed with makeup, but a faint scar may remain.

Q. Can nostril asymmetry also be corrected?

Yes — this procedure can be combined with other surgeries to address asymmetry. Please discuss this with the doctor at your consultation.

Q. If augmentation rhinoplasty or septal extension is performed, does an alar lift become unnecessary?

There are cases where it becomes unnecessary in terms of balance. Because an alar lift leaves a scar on the skin surface, we recommend considering it carefully and discussing the alternatives with us first.

Q. I heard there is a method of pulling the nasal alae upward and securing them using fascia.

Yes, such a technique exists. A thin strip of fascia is cut into a thread-like shape and sutured to the nasal alae. The fascia is then pulled upward and anchored to stable cartilage to lift the alae. The temporalis fascia (from the side of the scalp) is most commonly used. Please ask at your consultation whether this technique is suitable for you.

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