Possible Side Effects
Possible risks include swelling, bleeding, infection, incision scars, asymmetry, changes in nostril shape, over-reduction or recurrent widening, nasal obstruction, and breathing discomfort.
Sugar Plastic Surgery
A Slimmer Look Through a Small ChangeAlar Reduction
SUGAR Alar Reduction
Alar Reduction
Sugar Motto
A Few Millimeters at the Alae Can Change Your Impression
Alar Reduction That Finds the Right Balance Without Overdoing It
Wide or thick alae can make the entire nose look large. Alar reduction narrows flared alae to create a slimmer-looking nose, using an incision inside the alar crease to minimize scarring. Because even a small reduction can change your impression, SUGAR Plastic Surgery considers finding the right balance without over-reduction most important.
Alar Reduction
What Is Alar Reduction?
Wide or thick alae can make the entire nose look large. Alar reduction narrows flared alae to create a slimmer-looking nose, and we discuss an incision design that minimizes scarring.
Even a small alar reduction can change your impression. It can be performed alone or with another nasal procedure; during consultation, we determine the approach best suited to you.
Who Needs It
You may wish to consider this procedure if you have these concerns
01If the alae flare outwardWe narrow flared alae to create a slimmer-looking nose.
02If the alar tissue is thickWe refine thick, bulky-looking alae to suit your facial proportions.
03If the alae flare widely when you smileWe plan the amount of reduction with changes in facial expression in mind.
04If the entire nose looks largeRefining the alae alone can make the entire nose look more balanced.
Even a small alar reduction can change your impression, so finding the right balance without over-reduction is important.
Surgical Method
Alar Reduction Procedure
SUGAR Plastic Surgery explains the alar reduction techniques used to create natural-looking beauty.
01 · Incisional Alar ReductionWhen the alar skin is thick overall — The alae are incised, reduced, and sutured together.
02 · Non-Incisional Alar ReductionWhen only the lower nostril area is wide — The nostrils are brought together and secured with a suture.Alar Reduction: Surgical Information
Surgery Time30 minutes
AnesthesiaSedation anesthesia
Stitch Removal7 days
Return to Daily ActivitiesWithin 1 weekVaries by individual
Why Sugar
Why Choose Alar Reduction at SUGAR Plastic Surgery?
With a Smaller Procedure, Details Matter Even More
01
100% of surgeries performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon
The board-certified plastic surgeon who conducts your consultation also performs your surgery.
In accordance with Korean law requiring CCTV in operating rooms, our operating-room CCTV system is in operation,
protecting patients' rights.
02
Reduction Amount Based on Proportion
We consider not only the alae but also their proportions with the bridge and tip and the overall facial impression
to determine the amount of reduction.
03
An Incision Design That Conceals the Scar
The incision is placed inside the alar crease, making the scar barely visible from the front.
Sugar Know-How
SUGAR Plastic Surgery's Alar Reduction Expertise
These are the principles SUGAR Plastic Surgery follows in alar reduction.
01We maintain balanced proportions without over-reductionEven a small alar reduction can change your impression. Together, we find the right degree of reduction for your overall facial proportions.
02Can Be Performed Alone or with Other ProceduresAlar reduction can be performed alone or together with another nasal procedure. During consultation, we determine the combination best suited to you.
03Performed after preoperative testing under sedation anesthesiaAfter preoperative testing, surgery is performed while you are asleep under sedation anesthesia. Medication is used to manage pain and pressure during recovery.
04Care through recoveryAlong with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care, we provide wound care and follow-up checks according to a set postoperative schedule.
Procedure
SUGAR Plastic Surgery Alar Reduction Process
011:1 Consultation with a SpecialistWe assess the treatment area and the condition of your skin and tissues, then discuss your desired outcome in detail.
02Personalized DesignWe consider your overall facial proportions and decide the surgical scope and technique together.
03Surgery Under SedationAfter preoperative testing, the procedure is performed under sedation anesthesia.
04Recovery CareAfter surgery, wound care and follow-up checks are provided according to a set schedule.
Recovery
Recovery Guide
Immediately After Surgery–1 WeekSwelling and bruising are most noticeable during this period. Gentle walking and compresses can help with recovery.
After 7 daysThe stitches and splint are removed.
2 weeks–1 monthAs major swelling subsides, daily activities begin to feel more natural.
AfterwardResidual swelling gradually subsides over several months as the final contour settles.
Recovery time varies by individual. All surgery carries the possibility of general side effects such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation, and results may vary. Please consult thoroughly with a specialist before surgery.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Alar Reduction Risks, Contraindications, and Emergency Warning Signs
For a safe treatment plan, please review the potential risks, the information we need before treatment, and the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Contraindications and Precautions
Please tell us if you have a nasal condition such as rhinitis or sinusitis, breathing difficulties, a history of nasal surgery, fillers, or implants, an active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, a bleeding disorder, a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia, a possibility of pregnancy, or if you smoke or take any medications or dietary supplements. Do not stop anticoagulants or other medications on your own; consult the prescribing clinician first.
Emergency Warning Signs
Contact the clinic immediately if you have bleeding that will not stop, rapidly worsening pain or swelling, alar skin that turns white or dark red, wound separation, severe breathing discomfort, a high fever, or pus.
This is general safety information and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Actual risks and contraindications may vary depending on the procedure, products used, and your health.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A.
Because the incision is placed inside the alar crease, it is barely visible from the front. The incision mark gradually fades along the crease, and the stitches are removed on day 7 after surgery.
A.
Yes. Alar reduction can be performed alone or together with another nasal procedure, such as bridge or tip rhinoplasty. Refining the alae alone often makes the entire nose look more balanced, so we determine the appropriate scope during your consultation.
A.
As with all procedures at SUGAR Plastic Surgery, alar reduction is performed comfortably under sedation anesthesia. The procedure is completed while you sleep and takes about 30 minutes, making it relatively brief.
A.
Contact the clinic immediately if the wound separates, the alar skin turns white or dark red, or pain and swelling worsen rapidly.
A.
Reducing alar width alone can change nostril shape and the nasal airway, so we assess asymmetry, available skin, and your current breathing together.
A.
Some pre-existing asymmetry may remain after surgery, and the shape of the nostrils or scars may vary with the extent of reduction. Before surgery, you should compare the achievable change with the limitations and risks of excessive reduction.
Sugar Care System
SUGAR Plastic Surgery stays with you after surgery
01Plastic Surgery with Attention to Detail
Every step is handled with care, from an in-depth 1:1 consultation and precise diagnosis to operating-room CCTV monitoring and the selection of materials suited to you.
02SUGAR Reassurance Care
We closely support your recovery with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care.
03Surgical Care Guarantee
We remain by your side through every stage of postoperative follow-up.