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If you feel that your nostrils look too wide or flare more than you would like, alar base reduction (alarplasty) can help refine the lower part of the nose and improve overall facial balance. This procedure reshapes the nostril base to create a more harmonious look while preserving your natural facial character and ethnic identity. Most patients find that even small, precise changes make a noticeable difference to confidence in photos and day-to-day life.
Alarplasty can be performed on its own or as part of a rhinoplasty, if additional reshaping is needed. In experienced hands, scarring is minimal and well hidden within natural creases at the base of the nostrils.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how alar base reduction works, who it is suitable for, what recovery involves, and what results you can realistically expect when choosing an expert alarplasty surgeon in London.
• Alar base reduction refines wide or flared nostrils for improved facial balance
• The procedure can be performed on its own or with rhinoplasty for fuller reshaping
• Incisions are hidden in natural creases, so scarring is typically minimal and discreet
• Recovery is straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks
• When performed by an experienced surgeon, results look natural and maintain your ethnic identity
• Alarplasty can improve symmetry without dramatically changing your overall nose shape
Alar base reduction, also called alarplasty, is a minor surgical procedure that narrows the width or flare of the nostrils. It involves removing or repositioning small amounts of tissue where the nostrils meet the cheeks or nasal floor. This allows the nostrils to sit closer to the centre of the nose for improved facial balance.
While a full rhinoplasty reshapes the nasal bridge, tip, and internal structures, alarplasty focuses only on the nostril base. Many patients choose it when they are happy with the rest of their nose but want a more refined and proportionate appearance.
Results are subtle, natural looking, and designed to maintain the nose’s original identity rather than creating an overly altered look.
Alarplasty focuses exclusively on the nostril base. It is ideal for patients who are happy with their nasal bridge and tip but feel their nostrils are too wide or flare too much when they smile.
Rhinoplasty reshapes the internal structure of the nose, affecting the nasal bridge, tip, and functional breathing concerns.
Some patients choose alarplasty as a standalone procedure for a subtle refinement. Others combine it with rhinoplasty to ensure all aspects of the nose look balanced together. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best meets your goals and facial proportions.
Ideal candidates for nostril reduction surgery include people who:
• Have wide or flared nostrils that feel out of balance with facial features
• Notice nostril flare that becomes more pronounced when smiling
• See nostril asymmetry when looking straight on
• Want refinement without changing the overall character of the nose
• Are in good general health with realistic expectations
While alarplasty is popular among patients of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic descent – who may naturally have wider nostrils – it is also requested by patients of all ethnic backgrounds. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will determine if alar base reduction alone is sufficient or if a combined approach is recommended.
Several techniques may be used during alar base reduction surgery, tailored to the individual’s anatomy and desired changes. The most common methods include:
Often, surgeons combine techniques for the best results, ensuring the nostril size and shape match the overall nasal and facial structure.
All incisions for alarplasty are placed at the base of the nostrils, either inside the nostril floor or within the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek. This means any scars are usually discreet and blend in well once fully healed.
In the first few weeks, the incision lines may look slightly pink, but they gradually fade to a fine, pale line over the following months. Patients who follow their surgeon’s aftercare guidance, such as sun protection and avoiding tension on the area, typically achieve scars that are very difficult to notice in day-to-day life.
If you have concerns about scarring, a surgeon with a strong track record in alar base surgery can show you healed results from previous patients so you understand what to expect.
The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour when performed on its own.
Recovery after alar base reduction is usually straightforward and faster than more extensive nasal procedures.
What to expect:
• Days 1 to 3: Mild swelling and tenderness around the incision areas
• Day 5 to 7: Stitches removed (if non-dissolvable) and swelling begins to decrease
• Week 2: Most bruising has resolved; patients often return to work or social activities
• Week 4: The refined nostril shape becomes more visible
• 3 months: Scars have faded significantly and final results are mostly settled
Breathing is rarely affected, as the internal nasal structure is not changed. Following aftercare instructions closely helps ensure smooth healing and the best aesthetic outcome.
Proper wound care is crucial in the first few weeks after surgery.
To support optimal healing and achieve the least visible scars, patients are advised to:
In most cases, scars are discreetly hidden along the natural creases of the nostrils and fade significantly within a few months.
Temporary swelling around the nostrils is expected, and it may initially make the nose look slightly larger before settling. Simple measures such as sleeping with the head elevated and applying cool compresses to the cheeks (avoiding direct pressure on the nose) can help reduce swelling faster. Breathing should not be affected by alarplasty. If you experience congestion, it is typically due to swelling and resolves as healing progresses.
To achieve the best outcome from alar base reduction, take your time to choose a surgeon with:
Request to view before-and-after photos of previous alarplasty patients.
Look for:
This gives you a clearer understanding of the surgeon’s aesthetic style and technical skill.
Before committing to surgery, consider asking your surgeon:
A top nose surgeon will answer all questions openly and make you feel fully informed and comfortable.
Alar base reduction, or alarplasty, is a minor surgery that narrows wide or flared nostrils by removing or repositioning a small amount of tissue at the base of the nose. It creates a more balanced and refined appearance while maintaining your natural nasal character.
The incisions are placed inside the nostrils or within the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek, so scars are usually discreet and fade very well over time. Most patients find that healed scars are barely noticeable in daily life.
Most swelling and bruising settle within 1 to 2 weeks. The nostrils continue to refine over the next few months, and scars typically fade significantly by 3 months. Recovery is smoother and faster than full rhinoplasty.
Yes. Many patients choose to have nostril refinement as part of a rhinoplasty to ensure the entire nose looks proportionate. Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable approach for your goals.
No. The goal is to preserve natural identity while improving balance. An experienced surgeon will respect your facial features and ensure results look authentic and not over-reduced.
Yes. Once healed, the changes to nostril width and flare are long lasting. Maintaining stable weight and minimising trauma to the nose help keep outcomes consistent.
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