Alarplasty (Nostril Reduction) Explained
Alarplasty: also called nostril reduction surgery, is a focused nasal procedure that reduces flared, wide, or elongated nostrils without reshaping the entire nose. When properly planned and conservatively executed, it can significantly refine nasal balance with minimal scarring and a short recovery. It is not a substitute for full rhinoplasty , and it is not appropriate for every nose.
Table of Contents
- What nostril reduction surgery actually changes
- Why nostrils flare or appear too wide
- What an alarplasty does (and does not do)
- Alarplasty techniques explained
- Alarplasty vs rhinoplasty
- Scars, healing, and long-term appearance
- Recovery timeline and aftercare
- Risks and when alarplasty goes wrong
- Cost of nostril reduction surgery in Canada
- Who is a good candidate — and who should wait
- Questions to ask at your consultation
- Frequently asked questions
What nostril reduction surgery actually changes
Nostril reduction surgery focuses on the alar base, the soft tissue where the nostrils meet the cheek. This area plays a disproportionate role in how wide, flared, or long the nose appears from the front.
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Alarplasty can:
- Reduce nostril width
- Decrease visible flaring when smiling
- Shorten long nostrils
- Refine the nostril sill (the base between nostrils)
- Improve nasal symmetry
What it does not change:
- The nasal bridge
- A dorsal hump
- Major tip projection or rotation (unless combined with other procedures)
- Breathing function (unless paired with functional surgery)
This distinction matters. Many disappointing outcomes happen when patients expect alarplasty to do the job of rhinoplasty.
Why nostrils flare or appear too wide
Nostril shape is influenced by several factors, often in combination:
| Cause | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Natural width or flare of alar base |
| Facial anatomy | Cheek width and lip position |
| Nasal tip structure | Tip support influences flare |
| Muscle activity | Flare becomes more obvious when smiling |
| Previous rhinoplasty | Over-resection elsewhere can exaggerate nostrils |
Understanding why the nostrils look wide determines how (or if) they should be reduced.
What an alarplasty does (and does not do)
Alarplasty works by removing small, precisely planned wedges of tissue at the nostril base. The goal is not “smaller nostrils” in isolation — it’s proportion.
A well-planned nostril reduction:
- Preserves the natural curve of the nostril
- Maintains airflow
- Avoids an “operated” or pinched look
- Keeps scars hidden in natural creases
A poorly planned one:
- Narrows the nostrils excessively
- Creates asymmetry
- Leaves visible scars
- Alters expression when smiling
This is why restraint matters more than aggressiveness.
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Calgary, alarplasty is planned as a proportion-balancing procedure, not an aggressive reduction, and is often performed as part of a broader nasal assessment.
Alarplasty techniques explained
There is no single alarplasty technique. The approach depends on anatomy and goals.
| Technique | Used for |
|---|---|
| Alar base wedge excision | Flared nostrils |
| Nostril sill reduction | Wide base between nostrils |
| Combined alar + sill | Significant width or asymmetry |
| Long nostril reduction | Vertically elongated nostrils |
Each millimetre removed changes the result. Overcorrection is difficult to reverse.
Alarplasty vs rhinoplasty
This is one of the most common decision points.
| Feature | Alarplasty | Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Nostril base only | Entire nasal framework |
| Surgery time | Short | Longer |
| Recovery | Faster | Longer |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Structural change | Minimal | Significant |
Alarplasty can be:
- A standalone procedure
- A finishing step after rhinoplasty
- A revision for flaring after prior surgery
It should not be used to avoid rhinoplasty when broader structural issues exist.
Scars, healing, and long-term appearance
Alarplasty scars are real, but usually subtle.
They are placed:
- Along natural creases
- At the junction of nostril and cheek
- Inside the nostril sill when possible
What affects scar visibility:
- Skin thickness
- Surgical precision
- Tension on closure
- Post-operative care
- Individual healing tendency
In most patients, scars soften significantly over 6–12 months.
Recovery timeline and aftercare
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling, mild tightness |
| Week 1 | Sutures removed if applicable |
| Weeks 2–3 | Most swelling resolves |
| 3 months | Shape stabilizes |
| 6–18 months | Final scar maturation |
Aftercare basics:
- Keep incisions clean
- Avoid excessive facial movement early on
- No smoking (critical for healing)
- Follow scar-care guidance precisely
Risks and when alarplasty goes wrong
Most complications relate to over-resection or poor planning, not the surgery itself.
Potential risks:
- Visible scarring
- Nostril asymmetry
- Over-narrowing
- Distorted smile
- Difficulty revising later
Alarplasty gone wrong is usually permanent or difficult to correct. Conservative planning is not a drawback, it’s a safeguard.
Cost of nostril reduction surgery in Canada
Costs vary based on complexity and whether alarplasty is performed alone or with other nasal procedures.
Pricing depends on:
- Surgical time
- Technique used
- Whether revision work is required
- Facility and anesthesia fees
A precise quote requires an in-person assessment.
Who is a good candidate… and who should wait
Good candidates typically:
- Have flared or wide nostrils disproportionate to the nose
- Want subtle refinement, not dramatic change
- Have realistic expectations
- Are non-smokers or willing to stop
Those who should pause:
- Patients seeking overall nose reshaping
- Those with untreated breathing issues
- Individuals prone to poor scarring
- Anyone expecting perfection rather than balance
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Which alarplasty technique do you recommend…and why?
- How much tissue will be removed?
- Where will scars be placed?
- What happens if asymmetry remains?
- Can this be combined with rhinoplasty later?
- How often do you perform nostril reduction surgery?
Clear answers matter more than reassuring ones.
A proper consultation determines whether alarplasty is appropriate, or whether it should not be done at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make my nostrils smaller with surgery?
Yes. Alarplasty is specifically designed to reduce nostril width, flare, or length when anatomy allows.
How much does it cost to reduce your nose?
Nostril reduction alone typically costs less than full rhinoplasty. Broader nasal reshaping requires a different procedure.
How much does tip plasty cost in Canada?
Tip plasty pricing varies widely and depends on whether cartilage reshaping is required. It is separate from alarplasty.
Which is better, alarplasty or rhinoplasty?
Neither is “better.” They address different anatomical concerns and are sometimes combined.
What does an alarplasty do?
It refines the nostril base to improve proportion and symmetry without altering the nasal bridge.
How much does an alarplasty cost?
Most standalone procedures fall between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD, depending on complexity.
Does alarplasty look natural?
When conservatively planned and properly executed, yes. Natural-looking results depend on restraint.
Authoritative references
-
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html -
Mayo Clinic – Rhinoplasty overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532 -
PubMed – Nasal base surgery principles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
