Can an Alar Reduction Compromise Breathing?

Alar base reduction will have no effect on breathing when properly done. Therefore, see an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

When performed judiciously, alar base modification should have no effect on breathing.  Typically the sensation of nasal obstruction or flow is most easily affected at an area referred to as the "nasal valve", which should not be affected by alar base modification.  Another way to explain this is that since the inlet of the nostrils - where the alar base modification occurs - is not the bottleneck to airflow, judicious narrowing of it will not compromise breathing.