Pain Levels Explained by Real Patients and Surgeons
If you’re considering alar base reduction surgery (commonly known as alarplasty), one of the most common concerns is: “Will it hurt?” The good news is, for most patients, alar reduction is a low-pain, high-reward procedure—especially when performed by skilled surgeons in Korea.
Here’s what you need to know about pain levels, anesthesia options, and what sensations to expect throughout the process.
🔹 During the Procedure: No Pain, Just Pressure
Alar reduction is usually performed under one of the following:
- Local anesthesia (most common)
- Local anesthesia with sedation
- General anesthesia (rare; typically not needed)
💬 What Patients Say:
“I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure—just a bit of pressure around my nose. It felt like someone was gently tugging, but nothing sharp or uncomfortable.”
— Patient testimonial, Seoul
Because the surgery focuses only on the nostril base (alar area) and not the bone or cartilage deeper inside the nose, the invasiveness and pain levels are significantly lower than full rhinoplasty.
🔹 Immediately After Surgery: Mild to Moderate Discomfort
Once the anesthesia wears off (usually within 2–4 hours), you may experience:
- A tight or pulling sensation around the nostrils
- Mild throbbing or dull ache
- Occasional sting or itch at the incision area
- Minimal swelling and bruising
Most clinics in Korea will prescribe:
- Pain medication (non-opioid)
- Cold packs to reduce swelling
- Topical antibiotic ointment to ease discomfort
💬 What Patients Say:
“The first night was the most uncomfortable, but honestly not painful. I just felt tightness and some tenderness. I didn’t even finish all the painkillers they gave me.”
— Patient from Canada, post-surgery Day 1
🔹 Days 2–5: Noticeable Improvement
Most patients report:
- Drastically reduced discomfort after Day 2
- Minimal need for painkillers by Day 3
- Easy sleep with slight elevation
- Able to walk, eat, and even lightly explore the city
The sutures around the nostrils may feel slightly itchy or sensitive, but most people describe the experience as more annoying than painful.
🔹 Pain Comparison: Alar Reduction vs. Rhinoplasty
| Procedure | Pain Level | Recovery Time | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alar Reduction | Low | 5–7 days | Minor |
| Full Rhinoplasty | Moderate | 10–14+ days | More invasive |
🔹 Tips to Reduce Discomfort Post-Surgery
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first few days
- Avoid touching or blowing your nose
- Apply cold compresses gently on cheeks—not directly on the nose
- Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions precisely
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (pineapple, turmeric tea, leafy greens)
- Limit talking, smiling, or laughing excessively in the first 2 days
📌 Final Thoughts
Alar reduction is considered a relatively painless and quick-recovery cosmetic surgery. While some discomfort is expected, most patients describe the experience as highly tolerable, especially when compared to more complex nose surgeries.
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and following their recovery protocol will ensure that your healing journey is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
