Definition
콧방울 축소술 (konbangul chugso susu — nostril reduction surgery), known clinically as alar reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size, width, or flare of the alae — the curved, wing-shaped structures that form the outer walls of the nostrils. The goal is to bring the alar width into better proportion with the rest of the nose and face. Unlike bridge or tip surgery, alar reduction targets only the lower-third perimeter of the nose. It is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons;¹ Korea had approximately 2,100 such certified surgeons as of 2024.²
Alar Base vs Alar Flare Reduction
These two terms describe related but distinct techniques, and understanding the difference prevents misaligned expectations.
Alar base reduction removes a small wedge of tissue at the base of the nostril, where the alar meets the upper lip (the sill). This narrows the total width between the two alar bases — the horizontal footprint of the nose measured at its widest point. It is indicated when the entire nose sits too wide relative to the inter-canthal distance (the gap between the inner corners of the eyes).
Alar flare reduction removes tissue at the outer edge of the nostril to reduce the degree to which the ala angles outward. This technique does not narrow the base width — it corrects nostrils that bow outward excessively when viewed from the front or below.
Some patients require both techniques in the same session. The incision placement differs between them, and a surgeon must assess which anatomical problem is present before planning.
Who It Suits
Often a good candidate
- Alar width that exceeds the inter-canthal distance at rest
- Nostrils that flare outward noticeably when smiling, even if base width is acceptable
- Patients seeking lower-third refinement without altering the nasal bridge or tip structure
- Patients combining alar reduction with tip plasty for lower-third reshaping
Should reconsider or wait
- Keloid-prone skin — scarring risk is higher and must be discussed before surgery
- Patients requesting reduction greater than 3 mm per side — overcorrection carries a high risk of unnatural appearance and is difficult to reverse
- Ethnic skin types with higher melanin — scars may hyperpigment temporarily before fading
Not a suitable candidate
- Patients with unrealistic symmetry expectations — minor natural asymmetry remains normal post-surgery
- Active skin infection or inflammatory acne in the nasal area at time of surgery
Scars: Placement and Healing Timeline
Incisions are placed inside the alar-facial groove — the natural shadow-line crease where the outer nostril wall meets the cheek. This location conceals the resulting fine-line scar within existing facial contour. For alar sill reductions, an additional short incision may sit just inside the nostril base, hidden from frontal view.
Sutures removed at 5–7 days. Swelling peaks then subsides. Scar appears pink and slightly raised.
Scar softens and flattens. Pink coloration begins to fade. Sun protection is important during this phase.
Scar matures to a fine pale line, typically indistinguishable within the alar-facial groove in normal lighting.
Combined with Rhinoplasty
Alar reduction is frequently performed alongside tip plasty (nasal tip reshaping) or full rhinoplasty in a single operating session. Combining procedures reduces total anesthesia time and recovery overlap. In the context of a full rhinoplasty — which may address the bridge, tip, and columella — alar reduction addresses the lower-third width and completes the proportional balance of the nose. Surgeons certified by KSPRS¹ who perform rhinoplasty routinely assess alar width as part of pre-operative planning and can advise whether the combination is appropriate for a given facial structure.
Will alar reduction leave visible scars?
Alar reduction places incisions in the alar-facial groove — the natural crease at the junction of the nostril and cheek. These incisions heal as fine lines that are well-camouflaged by the natural shadow of this crease. In most patients with normal healing and darker skin tones, scars are difficult to detect by 6–12 months. Keloid-prone patients should discuss risk with their surgeon.
Can alar reduction be done as a standalone procedure?
Yes — alar reduction can be performed as a standalone procedure under local anesthesia in approximately 30–45 minutes. It is also commonly combined with tip plasty or full rhinoplasty in the same session. As a standalone, recovery is minimal: swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks and most patients can fly home within 5 days.
How much does alar reduction cost in Korea?
Standalone alar reduction typically costs ₩700,000–2,000,000 (≈AUD 840–2,380; USD 520–1,480) in Korea. When combined with rhinoplasty or tip plasty, it may be priced as an add-on at ₩500,000–1,200,000. Anesthesia (local or light sedation) is sometimes included in standalone pricing — confirm before booking. FX rates: July 2026.
¹ KSPRS board certification is required to legally perform plastic surgery procedures in licensed medical facilities in Korea. [ksprs-registry-legal-requirement] ² As of 2024, approximately 2,100 board-certified plastic surgeons are registered with KSPRS. [ksprs-registry-total-certified]