Nose base & nostril surgery
Alar Base Reduction in Gangnam, Seoul
a narrower, softer base.
Alar base reduction narrows a wide nose base by removing a small wedge of skin where the nostril meets the cheek. At ONYX in Gangnam, Seoul, Dr. Yoo measures the base against the width between your eyes so the nose looks narrower without looking pinched.
- 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 base reduction?
Alar base reduction (alarplasty) narrows the base of the nose and the flare of the nostrils. A small amount of tissue is removed along the natural crease where the nostril joins the face, so the scar sits in a shadow line.
It suits people whose nose looks wide at the bottom, especially when smiling. It is often combined with tip plasty, because a refined tip on a wide base can look unbalanced.
| Surgery time | About 30–60 minutes |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local with sedation, or general if combined |
| Incisions | In the natural nostril–cheek crease |
| Stitches | Removed after about 5–7 days |
| Stay in Seoul | About 7 days |
| Scar maturity | 3–6 months, usually hard to see |
Is alar base reduction right for you?
- The base of your nose is wider than the distance between your eyes
- Your nostrils flare noticeably, especially when smiling
- Your nose looks wide from the front even after tip work
- You want a narrower base without changing the bridge
- You are planning tip plasty and want an even result
Removing too much can make nostrils look tight or unnatural. Dr. Yoo plans conservative, measured changes.
How alar base reduction is done
- STEP 01
Measure
The base and nostril shape are measured from the front and below.
- STEP 02
Mark
The amount of tissue to remove is marked inside the natural crease.
- STEP 03
Reduce
A small wedge of skin and soft tissue is removed on each side.
- STEP 04
Close
Fine stitches close the incisions; they come out after about a week.
Alar base reduction or nostril reduction?
The two terms overlap. The right technique depends on whether the problem is width or nostril size.
| Alar base reduction | Nostril reduction | |
|---|---|---|
| Main target | Width of the whole nose base | Size and shape of the nostril opening |
| Incision | Outer crease where the nostril meets the cheek | Inside the nostril sill |
| Visible scar | Fine line in a natural shadow | Hidden inside the nostril |
| Typical goal | Narrower base from the front | Smaller, less visible nostrils |
Alar base reduction recovery
Typical timeline only. Healing varies with the procedure, skin thickness and materials used.
- Day 1–3 Mild swelling around the nostrils; avoid stretching the upper lip.
- Day 5–7 Stitches removed at the clinic.
- Week 2–4 Redness along the crease fades.
- Month 3–6 The scar softens and becomes very hard to see.
Alar Base Reduction in Seoul: your questions answered.
Will alar base reduction leave a scar?
There is a fine scar, but it sits in the natural crease beside the nostril and is usually very hard to see once healed.
Can it be done together with rhinoplasty?
Yes. It is commonly combined with tip plasty or full rhinoplasty in the same operation.
Can the nostrils end up too small?
Over-reduction is a real risk, which is why ONYX plans measured, conservative changes based on your facial proportions.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 7 days, so the stitches can be removed before you fly.
Can I get an opinion online first?
Yes. Send a front photo and a photo from below on WhatsApp for a preliminary opinion.
Often considered together
Plan your alar base reduction 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
