Nostril concern
Alar Retraction Correction in Gangnam, Seoul
a natural nostril rim.
Alar retraction is when the edge of the nostril sits too high, showing too much of the inside of the nose from the side. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo lowers the rim with cartilage grafts so the side view looks natural.
- 01 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon
- 02 3D CT scan & virtual simulation before surgery
- 03 Structure-first design with your own cartilage
- 04 English-friendly support via WhatsApp
What is alar retraction?
Alar retraction is an upward lift of the nostril rim, so more than about 2–4 mm of columella and nostril interior shows from the side. It can be natural but often follows rhinoplasty where tip cartilage was over-reduced or scar contracted.
Correction lowers the rim with alar rim grafts or composite grafts, and sometimes lengthens the lining inside the nose, so the rim sits in a natural position.
| Surgery time | About 3–4 hours |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Approach | Usually open |
| Grafts | Septal, ear or rib cartilage |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7–10 days, sometimes longer |
| Final result | About 12 months |
Signs you may relate to
- From the side, your nostril rim arches high
- You can see inside your nostril from the side
- Your nose looks pinched or retracted at the base
- The rim lifted after a previous rhinoplasty
- One rim is higher than the other
Retraction and a hanging columella can look alike. Measuring both tells which needs correction.
How a retracted rim is lowered
- STEP 01
Measure
Rim and columella positions are measured from the side.
- STEP 02
Release
Scar inside the nose is released if present.
- STEP 03
Graft
Rim or composite grafts push the rim downward.
- STEP 04
Support
Tip support is restored so the rim stays in place.
Alar retraction recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Swelling and discomfort, controlled with medication; the chest site is sore if rib cartilage was used.
- Day 7 Splint and stitches removed and the wound checked.
- Week 2–4 Bruising fades; swelling is still clearly present.
- Month 3–6 Scar tissue softens and the new shape becomes clearer.
- Month 12 The final result of revision surgery settles.
Alar Retraction in Seoul: your questions answered.
What causes alar retraction?
Over-reduction of the tip cartilages and scar contraction after surgery are common causes; some people are born with it.
What is a composite graft?
A small piece of ear skin and cartilage used to add lining when the rim is severely retracted.
Will the ear look different?
Grafts are taken from hidden areas of the ear and the change is usually not noticeable.
Can filler lower the rim?
Filler can help very mild cases temporarily, but grafting is more reliable.
How long until the final result?
About a year, as for most revision procedures.
Plan your alar retraction consultation in Gangnam, Seoul.
Address
8F, 18 Gangnam-daero 94-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Getting here
Near Gangnam Station
Line 2 · Shinbundang Line
Hours (KST)
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00
Sat 10:00–16:00
Closed Sundays & public holidays
Contact
