TYPE 08 — Alar Reduction
Alar Reduction
How is alar reduction done?
Surgery that tidies the lower nose by reducing flared alae or wide nostrils. The incision sits inside the alar crease so the scar stays out of sight.
Who this is for
- Alae that flare wider than the inner-eye width from the front
- Nostrils large enough to be clearly visible from the front
- Alae that spread sideways a lot when you smile
A note from Dr. Kim Hyung-taek
With alae, I first check whether they need reducing at all rather than how much to reduce. Projecting the tip draws the alae inward for many patients — so if tip surgery is already planned, the alae can be decided after seeing that result.
And flared alae are different from large nostrils. Flared alae are reduced from the outside; large nostrils must be reduced from the inside. Confusing the two leaves only smaller nostrils and a stuffy look. Over-reducing looks artificial and changes how breathing feels — which is why I never reduce to a fixed number.
— Kim Hyung-taek
How the surgery works
STEP 01
Flared alae
incision inside the outer alar crease
STEP 02
Large nostrils
reduced from the inner nostril floor
STEP 03
Combined approach when both are present
STEP 04
With tip surgery
tip first, alae decided afterwards
Recovery
Recovery varies slightly depending on the scope of surgery and combined techniques. Below is the typical course.
- 4 days
Cold compress
Apply cold compresses for 4 days. Face washing and makeup are allowed the day after stitch removal.
- Day 7
Stitch removal
Stitches along the incision inside the alar crease are removed on day 7.
- A few months
Scar
The incision line looks red for the first few months, then gradually fades. Scar ointment is prescribed at your final visit.
Featured surgery cases
See real surgical records for this type in the surgery log.
Before & after by type
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Before & after photos are available after login
BeforeAfterDeviated nose · Wide nasal alae 
BeforeAfterDeviated nose · Wide nasal alae 
BeforeAfterLong nose · Wide nasal alae · Low bridge 
BeforeAfterLong nose · Low bridge · Wide nasal alae · Dorsal hump 
BeforeAfterLong nose · Asymmetric alae · Low bridge · Nasal shape 
BeforeAfterLong nose · Asymmetric alae · Low bridge · Wide nasal alae
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.
Frequently asked questions
The incision is inside the alar crease, so it is barely visible from the front. A pink line may show for the first few months before fading.
Yes. But if the tip is low, reducing only the alae can make the nose look smaller, so we assess them together.
Not if it isn't overdone — which is exactly why I don't reduce to a preset number.
Consultation
Alar Reduction
Dr. Kim Hyung-taek takes personal responsibility from diagnosis through surgery and aftercare.
Book a 1:1 consultationOutcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.