All About Alarplasty: Procedure, Cost, and Recovery

Alarplasty, sometimes referred to as alar base reduction, is a cosmetic operation designed to alter the contour of the nose.

This procedure is common among those who wish to lessen the appearance of flared nostrils or achieve a more balanced nasal look.

Below we’ll explain what alarplasty involves, potential risks, typical costs, and who might be an appropriate candidate.

What is alarplasty?

Alarplasty involves excising a small segment of skin from the alar, or wing, of the nose. Often the visible outcome is a narrower nasal base.

Surgeons commonly use several incision approaches for alarplasty, including:

• Wedge. Wedge excisions help reduce nasal flare by removing triangular sections of the alar — the fleshy lower part that meets the cheek. These cuts are made externally and typically do not constrict the nostril opening.
• Sill. Sill excisions target the base where the alar meets the cheek to slim the nostril aperture. These incisions are placed inside the nose. Surgeons often combine sill and wedge techniques to address both flare and nostril width.
• Weir. First described by Robert Weir in 1892, the Weir excision refines the wedge method. It tailors the removal to the nostril’s curve and uses sutures to sculpt a natural contour.

Surgeons may blend techniques to achieve the optimal aesthetic. The objective is to maintain a natural appearance at the nasal base.

Technically speaking, alarplasty is a focused form of rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty remains the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in the United States, with an estimated 220,000 procedures annually.

Who makes a good candidate for alarplasty?

Individuals may consider alarplasty if they feel their nostrils flare outward or that their nostrils appear wide or prominent.

The alae are the soft, rounded parts of the nose connecting each nostril to the face. Their thickness, height, and length vary with facial anatomy. Alarplasty removes a small portion of these structures, which alters perceived nose width.

Those seeking refinement after a prior rhinoplasty or people recovering from facial trauma may also pursue this corrective intervention.

You might be a suitable candidate if you:

• are generally healthy and do not smoke
• have fully healed from any prior procedures affecting the nose
• hold realistic expectations about how cosmetic surgery can change your appearance

Your individual nasal anatomy, medical history, and any prior cosmetic surgeries will influence candidacy. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the most reliable way to determine whether alarplasty can deliver your desired outcome.

What happens during the procedure?

Alarplasty follows steps similar to rhinoplasty but is less invasive overall.

Preparing for surgery

Before your operation, arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic or hospital, especially if general anesthesia will be used.

General anesthesia is usually unnecessary unless alarplasty is performed in combination with a full rhinoplasty.

The procedure

1. Your surgeon will review expected results with you and may mark incision sites on your nose to help you visualize the planned changes.
2. You will receive either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and scope of work.
3. The surgeon will create the planned incision and remove the small segment of tissue identified for excision.
4. After tissue removal, sutures are placed to support and define the newly contoured alar base.
5. The area will be dressed, and you’ll receive instructions on pain control and infection prevention.
6. Bandaging is typically required for several days following the operation.

Recovery

Recovery from alarplasty is generally faster than from more extensive facial operations. Initial redness and swelling are common but usually diminish within 1 to 2 weeks.

Sutures are often removed about one week after surgery. Complete healing can take between one and three months.

Possible complications

As with any surgery, alarplasty carries potential risks. Immediately after treatment, swelling, redness, and minor bleeding at the incision site are common.

In the weeks following surgery, complications may include:

• noticeable scarring
• discharge or pus from the surgical area
• infection

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in alarplasty is crucial. A skilled, licensed provider can significantly lower the chance of complications.

How much does alarplasty cost?

Alarplasty is an elective cosmetic operation and is generally not covered by health insurance. You should expect to pay for the surgery and any anesthesia costs out of pocket.

Costs in the United States vary by region and surgeon experience.

Because alarplasty is less extensive than a full rhinoplasty, it tends to be more affordable. Many procedures fall in the range of $2,000 and $3,000.

When budgeting, consider not only the surgical fee but also the time required for recovery.

Finding a plastic surgeon

If you’re considering alarplasty, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals.

During the visit, cover the key topics on your list, such as:

• Bring photos of nasal shapes you hope to emulate.
• Ask about risks, side effects, and expected outcomes.
• Discuss potential scarring and its placement.
• Clarify the total cost, including anesthesia and any facility fees.
• Reveal any health conditions, family history, and current medications.
• Inform the surgeon about prior cosmetic procedures and their dates.

To locate a board-certified surgeon, you can use the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ online locator. If you are also thinking about options for enhancing lip volume, consider discussing lip implants during your consultation.

Key takeaways

An alarplasty reshapes the nose by making a small incision near the nostril to narrow the nasal base. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure but, like any surgery, includes some risk.

If you’re contemplating alarplasty, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to review individualized risks and expected outcomes.