A well-proportioned nose can dramatically enhance facial harmony and beauty. For individuals with wide or flared nostrils, alar reduction surgery offers a refined solution. At The Plus Plastic Surgery in Seoul, patients from around the world choose this specialized procedure to achieve a more elegant and balanced nasal appearance — with natural-looking results and minimal scarring.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about alar base reduction surgery at The Plus Plastic Surgery, including techniques, who it’s for, and why this Korean clinic is a top choice for medical tourists.
What Is Alar Reduction (Nostril Reduction) Surgery?
Alar reduction, also known as alar base reduction or nostril narrowing surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to:
- Decrease the width of wide nostrils
- Reduce the flared appearance of the alar base
- Improve nasal symmetry and proportion
- Refine the nose to better complement other facial features
This procedure is commonly performed on its own or in combination with rhinoplasty to enhance the overall nasal contour.
Why Choose The Plus Plastic Surgery for Alar Reduction?
✦ Nasal Contouring Specialists
The surgeons at The Plus Plastic Surgery are highly trained in Asian rhinoplasty and nasal refinement procedures. They understand the nuances of nostril width and nose shape across different ethnicities and tailor their techniques to each patient’s facial balance and aesthetic goals.
✦ Natural-Looking Results
The Plus is committed to delivering elegant, subtle changes — never overdone. The goal is to preserve your ethnic identity while enhancing symmetry and nasal definition.
✦ Precision Techniques for Minimal Scarring
Using meticulous surgical techniques, The Plus surgeons carefully hide incisions within the natural folds of the nostrils or at the alar base. This ensures that any scars are virtually invisible after healing.
✦ International Patient Services
From English-speaking consultants to virtual consultations, hotel support, and post-op care, The Plus Plastic Surgery ensures that international patients receive smooth, supportive, and safe medical experiences.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Alar Reduction?
You might be a good candidate for this surgery if you:
- Have wide, flared, or bulbous nostrils
- Feel that your nose looks too wide compared to the rest of your face
- Are seeking refinement without a full rhinoplasty
- Have had rhinoplasty but want to adjust the nostril width
- Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
Alar reduction is especially popular among patients from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as those of East Asian descent with naturally wide alar bases.
Alar Reduction Techniques at The Plus Plastic Surgery
The surgeons at The Plus use multiple techniques based on your nasal structure and desired result:
1. Weir Excision (Traditional Alar Base Reduction)
- Small wedge-shaped tissue is removed at the base of the nostrils
- Incisions are placed in natural creases for hidden scarring
- Ideal for significantly wide nostrils
2. Nasal Floor Reduction
- Targets nostril width without changing nostril shape
- Incisions made at the base/floor of the nostrils
- Ideal for subtle reduction
3. Sill Excision
- Performed at the inner nostril base
- Less visible scarring
- Often combined with Weir excision for stronger results
Your surgeon will explain which technique is best for your facial structure during your consultation.
Alar Reduction at The Plus: Step-by-Step
🩺 1. Consultation
- In-person or virtual consultation available for overseas patients
- Nasal assessment with photography and symmetry analysis
- Customized treatment plan, often combined with tip refinement or rhinoplasty if needed
🕒 2. Surgery
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation (no general anesthesia needed)
- Outpatient procedure — go home the same day
- Dissolvable or removable sutures depending on case
🛌 3. Recovery
- Swelling and minor bruising for 3–7 days
- Sutures removed around day 5–7
- Most patients return to normal activities within a week
- Final contour visible in 2–3 months as swelling resolves
What Are the Benefits of Alar Reduction?
- 👃 Slimmer, more refined nose appearance
- 👁️ Improved facial balance and symmetry
- ✨ Subtle changes that enhance natural beauty
- 🩹 Hidden scars and fast recovery
- ✅ Long-lasting results with no visible implants or foreign material
Patient Testimonials
“My nostrils were wide and flared even after rhinoplasty. The Plus Plastic Surgery did a beautiful job refining them — and the scar is barely visible!”
— Maya, 27, Indonesia
“I was nervous about scarring, but the team reassured me. Two months after surgery, my nose looks refined and elegant. The whole process was smooth and professional.”
— David, 35, UK
Medical Travel Made Easy
The Plus Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive services for international patients:
- 🌍 Online consultations prior to travel
- 🗣️ Multilingual staff (English, Chinese, Japanese)
- ✈️ Airport pickup and hotel recommendations
- 🧳 Recovery-friendly accommodations
- 📱 Post-op support through WhatsApp or email
Many international patients stay in Seoul for 7–10 days post-surgery before returning home.
Final Thoughts: Enhance Your Nose, Subtly and Beautifully
Alar reduction may be a small change, but it can make a big impact on the overall harmony of your face. Whether you’re looking to narrow your nostrils as a standalone procedure or combine it with other nasal enhancements, The Plus Plastic Surgery in Korea offers expert care, advanced techniques, and an international-friendly approach.
Ready to refine your nose? Contact The Plus Plastic Surgery today for a personalized consultation, and start your journey to a more confident you.