No change and a protrusive-looking philtrum after non-incision alar reduction — day-3 check criteria

2024. 7. 15.

At day 3 after non-incision alar reduction, when nostril-sill length is unchanged and the philtrum looks protrusive — why measurements and pain alone can't determine the thread's state, and what to have checked at the clinic — organized.

Key points

Non-incision alar reduction adjusts width with a thread, but whether the thread loosened can't be judged from pre/post length measurements alone. Measurement position and early swelling affect the result.
Pain when smiling and a protrusive-looking philtrum may relate to the thread's pull, but the thread's state or normal recovery shouldn't be concluded from those symptoms alone.
The original guided discomfort lasting days to about 1 week–10 days — but if pain is severe or worsening, get it checked at the operating clinic without waiting.

"I had non-incision alar reduction 3 days ago — the nostril sill measured 4cm before surgery and still measures 4cm now. But the philtrum looks protruded, and nostril-sill pain is severe when I smile."

The question described the nostril-sill length measured at the pre-surgery consultation being identical after surgery — and acquaintances saying nothing changed besides swelling — causing anxiety. It also asked whether philtrum protrusion is a side effect of alar reduction, and when smile pain improves.

This article organizes, based on the answer to that question, how to interpret immediate post-operative symptoms of non-incision alar reduction regarding the thread's state.

What kind of method is non-incision alar reduction that the length can stay the same?

Non-incision alar reduction is a surgery performed using a thread — a procedure relying on the thread's force. Unlike incisional surgery cutting the nostril sill, the structure reduces width by the thread pulling the sill.

So with big smiling or the thread getting pulled, the thread can loosen slightly. If there's truly no change in nostril-sill length before vs after, in principle the possibility that the thread stretched can be considered.

But one more variable exists: nostril-sill length can differ by how it's measured. Even for the same sill, if the measurement reference point shifts slightly, the same number can come out.

Then how do you tell whether the thread stretched?

The original answer to this question case read the pain and philtrum protrusion as grounds for the possibility that the thread is still pulling. Still, the thread's actual position or tension can't be confirmed from symptoms alone.

Symptom	If the thread loosened and returned to original	If the thread is still holding
Nostril-sill pain when smiling	Can't judge from this alone	May relate to the thread's pull
Philtrum looks protrusive	Can't judge from this alone	May relate to early pull·swelling

So rather than estimating length·pain·philtrum shape separately, it's accurate to have the width re-measured at the operating clinic with the same reference point, checking the thread's position and wound state together.

When does pain when smiling improve?

The original answer explains pulling and discomfort can exist for the first several days. But pain degree and change pattern are criteria needing direct confirmation.

The course mostly follows this order.

First several days after surgery — with the thread pulling, pain and tightness when smiling plus a protrusive-looking philtrum feeling can exist.
About 1 week–10 days — the easing point the original guided. If pain is severe or worsening, check with the clinic without waiting out this period

If curious about the non-incision method's surgery composition, it can be checked in the J-curl non-incision alar reduction guide.

Summary — read symptoms together, not separately

At day 3 after non-incision alar reduction, length·philtrum shape·pain can be influenced together by measurement position, swelling, and thread pull. Don't estimate the thread's state from symptoms alone — judge via re-measurement at the same reference point and surgery-site confirmation.

If wanting to check which case your symptoms fall under, it can be asked directly in a 1:1 video consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.

I had non-incision alar reduction but my nostril-sill length is identical to before surgery. Did the thread stretch?

Even without length change, the number can differ because of measurement position and swelling. Don't conclude the thread's state from pain and philtrum protrusion alone — have it re-measured at the same reference point at the operating clinic, checking wound and thread state.

Is a protrusive-looking philtrum after non-incision alar reduction a side effect?

It may relate to early pull or swelling — but normal recovery or the thread's state can't be concluded from this alone. If the shape is severe or pain accompanies, it must be checked at the operating clinic.

How long does nostril-sill pain when smiling last?

The original guided discomfort easing over days to about 1 week–10 days. But if pain is severe or worsening, check with the operating clinic without waiting out that period.

Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.

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