Alar base reduction or nostril reduction surgery can help improve the appearance of the nose by reshaping and refining the nostrils. Learn about the procedure, benefits, and recovery process here.
Alar base reduction or nostril reduction surgery
16th April 2024


Feeling like your nose doesn’t quite “fit” your face?
If you feel like the base or nostrils of your nose aren’t in harmony with the rest of your face, you may be wondering how to change this aspect of your appearance. Alar base reduction is a subtle yet impactful procedure that refines the nose to enhance your natural beauty.
Read on to see how a small change can make a big difference. Understand the intricacies of alar base reduction so you can decide whether this procedure is for you.
What is alar base reduction?
A specific rhinoplasty surgical technique called ‘alar base reduction surgery’ is used to enhance the size and form of the nostrils. Alar base reduction surgery or nostril reduction surgery is a cosmetic treatment in which the nasal base’s width is reduced and reshaped.
It is also referred to as alarplasty or nostril reduction, and it is the best option for people whose broad alar base makes their nose appear wider.
Alar base reduction is ideal for people seeking better nasal symmetry and smaller nostrils without needing a full rhinoplasty.
This procedure can help patients achieve aesthetic harmony between their facial characteristics and feel better about their appearance.
How does alar base reduction technique affect the nose?
Alar base reduction is a procedure that aims to enhance the nose’s appearance and contour. Removing or modifying cartilage in the alae or nostrils helps to narrow the width of the nasal base.
Nostril reduction surgery also aims to reduce the size and asymmetry of both alae by reshaping them to your preferred appearance using sutures to create incisions at either edge.
By using these procedures to shape your nose, you can achieve facial harmony by removing any differences that may have existed between your brows, cheekbones and eyes due to big nostril openings or uneven skin texture.
Additional advantages of this surgery include better nasal symmetry by addressing side-of-nose flare, smaller nostrils for a more noticeable aesthetic effect, enhanced definition on both sides and minor adjustments that enhance overall face balance.

The benefits of nostril reduction surgery
Improved facial symmetry
The symmetry of the nose can be significantly improved by alar base reduction. During this surgery, a portion of the nasal cartilage called the alar cartilage is surgically removed to modify the size and form of your nasal opening.
A patient can attain the optimal degree of facial harmony with better symmetrical balance between the sides of their nose by carefully choosing which sections are trimmed.
Decrease in nostril size
The alar base reduction technique is a viable procedure for reducing the size of the nostril. Nasal symmetry can be improved and the size of the nostrils efficiently reduced by surgically adjusting the breadth of the alar base.
Nostril reduction surgery improves the overall attractiveness of the nose and the face’s harmony by balancing nostril size. With this technique, patients can reduce uneven and exaggerated nostril size that can make them self-conscious about the shape of their noses. The end result is improved confidence in your appearance and enhanced self-esteem.
Achieving harmony in the face
Nostril imbalances can be addressed by alar base reduction. To create a more balanced look to the face, this surgical treatment aims to minimise nostril size, improve nasal symmetry and improve the nose’s overall attractiveness.
Slight imbalances in your nose’s width, projection, or symmetry can significantly impact the harmony of your entire face.
Nostril reduction surgery procedure
Leading plastic surgeon Dr Adnan Tahir starts the nostril reduction surgery procedure by numbing the area with a local anaesthetic.
- It takes around an hour to complete the treatment. Where the nose joins the cheek is where your surgeon makes an incision.
- The shape of the incision can be a diamond, triangle or rectangle, depending on the intended outcome. The inside of the nose is also incised.
- The nostrils are then drawn inward to better balance them with the face after removing a wedge of the nostril wall.
- After that, the incision is sewn up. The surgeon reattaches your nostril and the base of your nose using sutures.
- The treatment is done on both sides of the nose to produce a symmetrical and balanced outcome. The nasal crease serves as a hiding place for the scar. The nose appears narrower and smaller after surgery.
Dr Adnan may decide to mix several incision techniques to achieve the best possible outcome. Maintaining a natural appearance at the base of the nose is the aim.
Recovery process and results
After undergoing alar base or nostril reduction surgery, recovery is a crucial phase in your journey to achieving your desired results.
It’s normal to experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort immediately following the procedure.
During recovery, it’s essential to follow all post-op guidelines diligently to ensure optimal healing. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities and attending follow-up appointments.
As time progresses, you’ll start noticing gradual improvements in the appearance of your alar base or nostrils.
Results from these surgeries are typically long-lasting and can significantly enhance facial harmony and balance. Patience is vital, as outcomes may take several weeks or months to fully manifest.
Consult Dr Adnan Tahir for nostril reduction surgery
If you are considering alar base reduction or nostril reduction surgery, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon specialising in these procedures is crucial.
Dr Adnan Tahir is a renowned expert in facial plastic surgery and can provide personalised recommendations based on your unique goals and anatomy. Trust your nose transformation journey to the skilled hands of Dr Adnan Tahir for exceptional results.