A firsthand-style account of the healing process to help you prepare mentally and physically.
Day 0 – Surgery Day
Experience:
Checked into the clinic in Seoul around 9 AM. After a brief consultation and final facial markings, I was taken into the procedure room. The surgery was done under local anesthesia—it pinched a bit, but no real pain.
Aftercare:
- I left the clinic after a few hours with small bandages on either side of my nostrils.
- Breathing was fine, though there was a bit of pressure from the swelling.
- I was advised not to blow my nose or get the area wet.
Tip: Stock up on soft food, straws, saline spray, and gauze pads beforehand.
Day 1 – Slight Swelling Begins
Experience:
Woke up with mild swelling and tightness around the nostrils. The discomfort was manageable with prescribed pain meds. Slight redness around the incisions.
Care routine:
- Cleaned the area gently with a Q-tip and antiseptic.
- Took antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds as instructed.
- Kept my head elevated to reduce swelling.
Mood: Slightly nervous but relieved it’s over.
Day 2 – Peak Swelling & Puffiness
Experience:
Swelling peaked today. The nostrils look puffy and uneven, but the clinic had warned me about this. A small amount of crusting around the incision sites.
Care routine:
- Continued cleaning twice a day.
- Avoided any exercise, talking too much, or strong facial expressions.
Tip: Ice packs (gently applied) help a lot!
Day 3 – Bruising Appears, Still Puffy
Experience:
Some light bruising showed up near the base of the nose. The area feels tender but still not painful. I’m still breathing fine through my nose.
Activity level:
Stayed indoors, avoided social interaction. Took a short walk around the block to help with circulation.
Day 4 – Swelling Stabilizes
Experience:
Nostrils still appear wide due to swelling, but the tight feeling is lessening. No more bleeding or active discomfort.
Mood: Starting to feel bored but encouraged by the lack of pain.
Day 5 – Scabs Forming, Looks Slightly Better
Experience:
Scabs are forming at the incision sites—natural part of healing. Avoided touching them. The bruising has started to fade into a yellowish tint.
Care routine:
- Continued medication and gentle cleaning.
- Clinic check-in via KakaoTalk to send progress photos.
- Reminder: No smoking, alcohol, or hot foods.
Day 6 – Less Swelling, More Definition
Experience:
Swelling reduced enough to start seeing some contour change. The nose looks a bit more symmetrical today. I’m still wearing small steri-strips as advised.
Mood: Feeling more optimistic.
Day 7 – Suture Removal Day
Experience:
Went back to the clinic for stitch removal. It was a little stingy but over in minutes. Doctors said everything looked good.
Doctor’s Advice:
- Don’t pick at scabs.
- Continue scar care (ointment + sunblock).
- Avoid strenuous activity for another week.
Day 8–10 – Rapid Visual Improvement
Experience:
Without sutures, the area looks cleaner. Bruises nearly gone. Slight redness remains. Can already see that the nostrils are narrower and more refined.
Care routine:
- Started applying scar gel.
- Introduced gentle facial washing (avoiding pressure).
Day 11–14 – Swelling Continues to Reduce
Experience:
Each day brings small improvements. I’m comfortable going out with light makeup. Friends barely notice anything, which is exactly what I wanted.
Pro Tip: Book your trip for 2 full weeks if coming from abroad. You’ll look socially presentable by Day 14.
Day 15–30 – Settling into the Final Shape
Experience:
Swelling almost completely gone by Day 30. The nostril shape is natural-looking and symmetrical. No pain, no breathing issues. Incision lines are faint and fading.
Long-term Care:
- Continue sun protection for scar fading.
- Avoid direct pressure or manipulation for at least 6 weeks.
- Schedule a virtual follow-up with the clinic if abroad.
📝 Summary of My Recovery Tips:
| Day | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 0–3 | Rest, medication, hygiene |
| 4–7 | Swelling management, suture removal |
| 8–14 | Scar care begins, return to social activity |
| 15–30 | Near-final results visible |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Alar reduction recovery is smoother than I expected. It’s more about managing patience than pain. The key to a great outcome is:
- Choosing a skilled surgeon
- Following post-op instructions closely
- Being mentally prepared for the healing stages
✨ By Day 30, I looked and felt like myself—just with a more refined nose.
