Alarplasty: What You Need to Know

Pros

• Nostril reduction surgery can bring a wide nasal base into better proportion with the rest of the nose and other facial features.
• By itself, this relatively minor facial plastic surgery procedure is quick (about 30 minutes) and can be performed under local anesthesia, in the surgeon’s office. 
• An alarplasty is much less expensive than a full rhinoplasty.
• It can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or with other types of nose surgery. 
• Bone and cartilage aren’t touched during the procedure, so recovery time is much shorter than with rhinoplasty.
• Incisions are hidden in the crease of the skin, so scars aren’t usually noticeable, even up close.

Cons

• If the skin isn’t sutured carefully, a small scar may be slightly visible.
• Narrowing nostrils too much can curtail airflow and cause nasal obstruction. It can also create an overly pinched nose that looks too "done."
• Asymmetry is also a risk. For precise results, the surgeon needs to measure the amount of tissue being removed using calipers, not just their eyes. 

• Average Cost:
• $3,225

• Range:
• $2,420 - $7,200

The price you pay will depend on the complexity of your procedure, where you have it done, and your surgeon’s credentials, level of experience, and reputation.

Nostril narrowing is a cosmetic procedure, so insurance won't cover it. 

Even though this is a less demanding procedure than rhinoplasty, it’s important not to bargain shop for an alarplasty surgeon, says Dr. Tanveer Janjua, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Bedminster, New Jersey. “If you end up having uneven nostrils or too-narrow nostrils, the damage can be irreversible,” he says. “Please concentrate on finding someone who can do an excellent, safe, and conservative alarplasty for you.”

See our complete guide to alarplasty costs

Alarplasty leaves very small, usually unnoticeable scars. “The incisions for an alarplasty are usually well-hidden, right on the alar/nasal/facial junction,” says Dr. William Portuese, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Seattle. “They tend to stay slightly pink for the first month or two, depending on skin type and coloration. But with time, they will heal and fade in the natural crease, making them nearly imperceptible.” 

In most cases, the scar can be easily covered with makeup until it heals. You can also ask your provider about whether a topical scar treatment could be beneficial.

If the scar becomes overly thickened or otherwise noticeable, you can also consider in-office scar treatments. 

To get an idea of how any residual scars will look, ask your surgeon to see before and after photos of their patients.

The alarplasty photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Any healthy adult who has wide nostrils with "alar flare" can be a good candidate for an alarplasty, says Dr. Nima Shemirani, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. “Surgeons often measure the width between the inner corners of the eyes as a guideline for how wide the nostrils should be,” says Dr. Shemirani. “Depending on ethnic differences, you may want a slightly wider nose, but in general, this is a nice guide.”

If you smoke or use other nicotine products, your surgeon will ask you to stop two to six weeks prior to surgery. All forms of nicotine inhibit healing and increase the risk of complications.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon may use 3D imaging to help you visualize the effects of potential changes. This technology can also help communicate the nuances of your aesthetic goals—alar width, flare, and nostril show—to your surgeon. Not every office has this capability, so if it's important to you, ask about it when you schedule your consultation.

The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a rhinoplasty. 

As a stand-alone procedure, it can be done under local anesthesia, in the surgeon's office—a much more affordable option than having general anesthesia in a surgical center. It usually takes less than an hour. Here’s what to expect.

• First, your surgeon will carefully mark how much tissue to remove from each nostril, using calipers to ensure that the measurements are exact.
• Then a local anesthetic will be injected. If you're feeling anxious, you may also be given an oral sedative. 
• Once you're fully numb and comfortable, your surgeon will make a small incision (from the inside or out) at the base of the nose, along the crease between your nostril and cheek.
• They will remove a small wedge of soft tissue at the base of each nostril.
• Finally, they'll secure the incisions with tiny, exact sutures. 

If an alarplasty is done at the same time as a rhinoplasty, nostril reduction is usually the last step because the shape of the nostrils can be affected by other aspects of a rhinoplasty.