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Primary Rhinoplasty Techniques

What is alarplasty and do I need it with my rhinoplasty?

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Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.

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Alarplasty is a procedure that reduces the width or flare of the nostrils, typically by removing a small amount of tissue at the base where the nostril meets the cheek. It's often performed together with rhinoplasty, but it's a distinct, separate step in the surgical plan — not every rhinoplasty patient needs it.

Whether you need it depends on your specific nasal base proportions relative to your overall face — sometimes reshaping the bridge or tip alone brings everything into balance, while other times the nostril base genuinely needs its own adjustment for the final result to look proportionate. Dr. Kim will assess this specifically during your consultation rather than adding it automatically.

Consultation Tip

If nostril width is a specific concern for you, mention it explicitly during your consultation — it's easy to overlook if you're primarily focused on your bridge or tip.

Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)

— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery

What follows is general guidance. The actual cause and surgical approach are decided only after an internal examination, a CT scan and a review of your previous surgical history.