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The shape and width of the nostrils play an important role in the overall appearance of the nose. While many patients focus on the bridge or nasal tip, wide or flared nostrils can make the nose appear larger and less proportionate to the rest of the face.
Alar Reduction, also known as Nostril Reduction Surgery, is a specialized rhinoplasty procedure designed to reduce the width of the nostrils and create a more refined, balanced, and harmonious appearance. At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, our surgeons carefully tailor each procedure to preserve your natural facial characteristics while enhancing the overall shape of the nose.
Alar Reduction is a surgical procedure that reshapes the alar base—the outer edges of the nostrils where they meet the cheeks. By removing a small amount of tissue and carefully repositioning the nostrils, the nose can appear slimmer, more symmetrical, and better proportioned to the face.
The goal is not simply to make the nostrils smaller, but to achieve natural facial harmony while maintaining proper nasal function.
Alar Reduction may be recommended for patients who have:
This procedure is suitable for both women and men and can be performed on its own or combined with other rhinoplasty procedures.
The procedure involves making carefully planned incisions along the natural crease where the nostrils meet the cheeks. A small amount of skin and soft tissue is removed to reduce the width of the nostrils, after which the incisions are meticulously closed to create a refined and symmetrical result.
Whenever possible, the incisions are placed within the natural contours of the nose to help minimize visible scarring.
Depending on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, Alar Reduction may be combined with:
Combining procedures often produces a more balanced and harmonious overall result.
Alar Reduction is generally a relatively short procedure and may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on whether it is performed alone or combined with rhinoplasty.
Typical procedure time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (or longer if combined with rhinoplasty).
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for optimal healing and scar quality.
Because the incisions are placed within the natural crease of the nostrils, scars are generally discreet and become less noticeable over time. Our surgeons use meticulous surgical techniques to help achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.
At Sketch Plastic Surgery Korea, we understand that even small changes to the nostrils can have a significant impact on overall facial harmony. Rather than creating overly narrow nostrils, our surgeons focus on preserving your unique features while refining the nose in a way that looks natural from every angle.
Our approach includes:
Whether performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a complete rhinoplasty, Alar Reduction at Sketch Plastic Surgery is designed to create a refined nose that complements your facial features while maintaining both beauty and function.