The average cost of alarplasty is $4,863, according to reviews from RealSelf members. However, the price can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on a few key factors.
This form of facial plastic surgery enhances the appearance of the nose by minimizing the width of the nostrils or changing the shape of the nostrils (also known as alae). Though alar base reduction is a more minor procedure than traditional rhinoplasty—the bridge of the nose and nasal tip are left untouched—nostril reduction can dramatically transform a patient’s nose shape by streamlining the base of the nose and creating narrower nostrils.
Here, we break down exactly what can cause the price of alarplasty to fluctuate so you can make an informed decision when booking your cosmetic procedure.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Alarplasty
RealSelf members give alarplasty a 91% Worth It Rating, so a majority of people who recently reviewed their procedure were happy with their investment.
Many who say their alar base reduction was “Worth It” liked that the surgery was relatively quick and painless, and that it delivered natural-looking results.
Others who regretted their investment say that they were left with nostrils that looked too small, uneven, or not well-aligned with their racial identity.
If you're considering this type of nose surgery and aren’t sure whether you're a good candidate, a consultation with an experienced provider can help you determine if alarplasty is right for you.
Several factors impact how much alarplasty costs, including:
Alarplasty should be performed by a skilled plastic or facial plastic surgeon who frequently performs the procedure. A board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience will likely charge a higher surgeon’s fee than a less experienced provider.
It’s important not to bargain shop when it comes to an alarplasty surgeon, says Dr. Tanveer Janjua, a 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.
This part of the nose is also critical to effective airflow, and poor alarplasty results could also inhibit your breathing for the rest of your life. Other potential side effects include a visible scar (if the skin isn’t sutured property) or a pinched, overly “done” look.
”Please concentrate on finding someone who can do an excellent, safe, and conservative alarplasty for you,” says Dr. Janjua.
Plastic surgery prices are generally steeper in major U.S. cities, particularly if your surgeon practices in a high-rent neighborhood.
If you're open to going a little out of your way or even traveling for nostril reduction surgery, it may be worth your while. A skilled surgeon in an area with lower costs of living may charge lower prices. Many offer complimentary virtual consultations to ensure that you’re a good candidate, discuss the details of your surgery, and give you a personalized cost quote.
Alarplasty is less invasive than rhinoplasty, but that doesn't make the procedure any less exacting. Minimizing the size and shape of the nostrils still requires precision and artistry—not to mention skill with hiding the sutures to minimize scarring.
Factors like asymmetry, scar tissue from past nose jobs, and any reconstructive work can make an alarplasty procedure more challenging and time-consuming, which can increase your cost.
More complex procedures may also come with higher anesthesia fees. Alarplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but it may be performed under general anesthesia (which is more expensive), if more advanced nose reshaping is done.
If you're already considering other facial cosmetic surgeries, you may want to take the opportunity to combine them in a single operation.
Depending on your aesthetic goals, this may include a full rhinoplasty procedure (to address the entire appearance of the nose) or another type of facial plastic surgery, like a mini facelift.
More procedures translates into more money spent, but your provider may offer a discounted rate on each additional procedure, and you’ll only have to pay the facility fee once.
Like most elective cosmetic surgery, alarplasty doesn’t qualify for insurance coverage; you'll have to pay out of pocket.
Some patients opt to pay for their procedure with cosmetic surgery financing, which can make it much more affordable in the short-term. Just watch out for high interest rates that can dramatically increase your cost in the long run.