Nostril concern
Hanging Alae Correction in Gangnam, Seoul
a lighter base from the side.
Hanging alae are nostril rims that sit too low, hiding the columella from the side and making the base of the nose look heavy. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo lifts the rims with precise excisions so the nostril line looks balanced.
- 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 are hanging alae?
Hanging alae are nostril walls that hang down so the columella is barely visible from the side. The base of the nose can look heavy and droopy.
Correction removes a thin ellipse of skin or tissue along the nostril rim or inside the nostril, lifting the rim to a natural height, often combined with tip work.
| Surgery time | About 1 hour |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local with sedation, or general if combined |
| Incision | Hidden in the natural nostril crease |
| Stitches | Removed after about 5–7 days |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7 days |
| Final result | 3–6 months |
Signs you may relate to
- From the side, your nostrils hide the columella
- The base of your nose looks heavy
- Your nostril rims look low and thick
- The lower nose looks droopy
- The problem is clearer in profile photos
Columella show of around 2–4 mm from the side is usually considered balanced.
How hanging alae are lifted
- STEP 01
Measure
Rim height and columella show are assessed from the side.
- STEP 02
Plan the excision
A thin ellipse is marked on the rim or inside the nostril.
- STEP 03
Lift
Tissue is removed to raise the rim.
- STEP 04
Close finely
Incisions are placed where they heal discreetly.
Hanging alae recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Mild swelling around the nostrils.
- Day 5–7 Stitches removed.
- Week 2 Redness along the incision begins to fade.
- Month 1–3 The scar matures and softens.
- Month 3–6 The final nostril shape settles.
Hanging Alae in Seoul: your questions answered.
Is it a big operation?
It is a small procedure on its own, often added to rhinoplasty.
Will there be scars?
Incisions are inside the nostril or along the rim and usually become very faint.
Can it be done under local anaesthesia?
Yes, alone it can be done with local anaesthesia and sedation.
Is it related to a hanging columella?
They are opposites: hanging alae hide the columella; a hanging columella shows too much.
How long until it settles?
About three to six months.
Plan your nostril rim 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
