Alar reduction

This alar reduction event is for anyone whose wide, flared nostrils make their face look heavy or crowded. It goes beyond narrowing the nostril width: the face shape, nasal tip and bridge line are all considered together, with the goal of a natural result in proportions that suit your face.

Who it's for

• Those whose flared nostrils make the face look crowded from the front
• Those whose large nostril openings make the nose look wide
• Those with a wide lower nostril area who want a neater look under the nose
• Those who want to balance the face together with the nasal tip and bridge
• Those looking for a short procedure with no hospital stay

How it's done

1. Consultation and designThe face shape, nasal tip and bridge line are reviewed together to decide how much to reduce and which method to use.
2. If the nostrils are largeWhen there isn't much tissue in the alae but large nostrils make the nose look wide, a small section of skin at the border between the ala and the cheek is removed and stitched to refine the size and shape of the alae. The periosteum and ligaments are released and repositioned, then secured with double fixation.
3. If the lower nostril area is wideEven if the alae are fleshy or the nostrils aren't large, an incision is made below the nostrils, and a thread is placed through both alae and pulled together to reduce the width.
4. SurgerySurgery takes around 30 minutes, under local anesthesia or sedation. No hospital stay is needed, and it requires one visit.
5. Stitch removalStitches are removed 7 days after surgery. Make sure this date is included in your trip to Korea.

What's included

• One alar reduction surgery

The price includes VAT and applies during the clinic's event period. Costs for any additional procedures, such as nasal tip or bridge surgery, are not included and will be explained at your consultation.

From surgery day to recovery

1. Before surgeryThe condition of your alae is checked at the consultation, and the more suitable of the two methods is chosen.
2. Surgery daySurgery takes around 30 minutes, and you go home the same day without a hospital stay.
3. Right after surgerySwelling and bruising may occur. How much and how long they take to settle will be explained at your consultation.
4. 7 days laterReturn to the clinic to have your stitches removed.
5. After thatThe fading of the scars and the settling of the shape are checked as your recovery progresses.

Aftercare

• The clinic runs a program for swelling care, infection prevention and scar care.
• After surgery, you return to the clinic as scheduled for stitch removal and follow-up checks.

Doctor and clinic

Lee Hee-young, the head director and a board-certified plastic surgeon, personally handles consultations and surgery. Surgery is performed under a named-surgeon policy, with no ghost surgery. Consultations are available in Japanese; for other languages, please ask when booking. The clinic is on Nonhyeon-ro, about 300 m from Exit 3 of Apgujeong Station.

Side effects and precautions

• Bleeding, infection or inflammation may occur after surgery, so be sure to follow the clinic's instructions.
• Because the alae are excised or incised and then stitched, surgical scars may remain. Care instructions will be given at your consultation.
• Reducing only the alae too much can throw off the balance of the whole nose, so the amount of reduction is decided by looking at the nasal tip and bridge as well.
• Smoking after surgery can affect wound healing, so you'll be advised to avoid it.

FAQ