What is alar reduction surgery?
The alae are the curved wings on either side of the nostrils. When they flare outwards or sit wide on the face, the lower nose can look broad even if the bridge and tip are slim. Alar reduction removes a precisely measured wedge of tissue to bring the nostrils in.
There are two main patterns: an external wedge along the crease to reduce flare, and a sill excision inside the nostril to reduce nostril width. Many patients need a mix. When the tip is also round, it is often paired with tip plasty; for a broad bridge as well, see wide nose surgery.
Who is alar reduction for?
- Nostrils that flare outwards, especially when smiling.
- A wide nasal base wider than the inner corners of the eyes.
- Large or round nostril openings visible from the front.
- Uneven nostrils on one side.
- After rhinoplasty when a tip change has made the base look wider.
Alar reduction is a frequent part of African rhinoplasty and ethnic rhinoplasty, where wider bases are common.
External wedge vs sill excision
| External wedge | Sill (internal) excision | Combined | |
| Main effect | Reduces flare | Narrows nostril width | Both |
| Scar location | Alar–cheek crease | Nostril floor | Both sites |
| Best for | Flaring wings | Wide, round openings | Wide base with flare |
| Visibility | Fine line, fades | Hidden | Fine line, fades |
| Over-correction risk | Notching | Narrowed airway | Pinched look |
How alar reduction is done
Before & after
Before
After
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Alar reduction recovery
| Day 1–3 | Mild swelling and tightness; keep the stitch lines clean. |
|---|---|
| Day 5–7 | Stitches out; most people return to normal activities. |
| Week 2–4 | Redness along the crease fades; make-up can cover it. |
| Month 2–3 | Scar softens and blends into the crease. |
“With nostrils, a millimetre too much is a lot. I would rather adjust later than over-narrow once.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorRisks, honestly
Risks include a visible or pigmented scar (more likely in darker or thick skin), slight asymmetry, a notch at the crease, and — if too much is removed — a pinched look or narrowed nostril airway. This is why we remove conservatively; a small further reduction later is simpler than restoring removed tissue.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be visible?
It sits in the natural crease and usually fades to a fine line within 2–3 months, although healing varies with skin type.
Can alar reduction be done on its own?
Yes. It is a short procedure under local anaesthesia and does not require a full rhinoplasty.
Will it affect my breathing?
Conservative reduction should not. Excessive sill removal can narrow the nostril, which we avoid.
Is it permanent?
Yes — removed tissue does not grow back.
Can it be combined with rhinoplasty?
Very often. It is usually done at the end of a rhinoplasty, once the tip shape is set.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About a week, until the stitches are removed.