Alar Base Reduction

Narrow wide nostrils for better facial proportion

Alar base reduction is a precise surgical procedure that narrows the width of the nostrils by removing small crescents of tissue at the alar-cheek junction. It addresses wide nostrils, excessive flaring or a nasal base that appears too broad relative to the rest of the face — producing a subtle but striking improvement in facial balance.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and takes 30–45 minutes. Incisions are placed in the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek, healing to a very fine, concealed scar. Alar base reduction is often performed as a finishing step following rhinoplasty to fine-tune overall nasal harmony.

Key Benefits

Narrowing of wide or disproportionate nostrils
Improved balance between the nose and mid-face
Well-concealed scars in the natural alar-cheek crease
Quick procedure under local anaesthesia with minimal downtime

Is This Treatment Right For You?

Patients with a nasal base that is too wide relative to the inter-canthal distance
Those with excessive nostril flaring at rest or on smiling
Individuals combining alar base refinement with rhinoplasty
Patients seeking a finishing correction after a primary rhinoplasty

What to Expect

Consultation

Nostril width measured against facial proportion guidelines; amount of reduction planned.

Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia infiltrated into the alar tissue.

Excision & Closure

Crescent of tissue removed and closed with fine absorbable sutures.

Healing

Sutures dissolve over 2 weeks; scar matures to near-invisibility over 3–6 months.

Recovery & Aftercare

Swelling resolves within 1–2 weeks. Most patients return to work within 3–5 days. The scar fades significantly over 3–6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will alar base reduction make my nostrils look too small?

Reduction is planned to achieve a balanced result — the goal is nostrils proportionate to your mid-face width, not an over-narrowed appearance. Careful measurement guides every correction.

Can it be done at the same time as rhinoplasty?

Yes — in fact, combining alar base reduction with rhinoplasty is common, as the two procedures complement each other to achieve overall nasal harmony.