Alarplasty is a surgical procedure to narrow and reshape wide nostrils. A small, wedge-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the nasal base and the edges are sutured, reducing the width of the nostrils and the alar flare. It’s a relatively quick, straightforward operation, and because the nose sits at the center of the face, even a modest refinement here can noticeably improve overall proportion.
It’s often performed alongside rhinoplasty as part of a fuller reshaping plan. Where rhinoplasty is the broad term for reshaping the nose — removing a hump, refining a bulbous or drooping tip, or correcting a deviated septum for better breathing — this procedure deals specifically with the width of the nasal base. If you’re considering broader changes to the shape of your nose, see our Rhinoplasty / Nose Job page.
Incisions are placed in the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek, or at the nostril base, so that the resulting scars sit in a natural fold and are discreet once healed.
A Good Candidate
- People with a wide alar flare or wide nostrils they’d like narrowed
- In good general health
- Holding realistic expectations about the result
4 techniques for alarplasty
Kamol Cosmetic Hospital offers the following approaches:
- Alar wedge resection — reduces the alar flare through a wedge excision 1–2 mm above the alar-facial groove, which is then sutured. Best suited to patients with a wide alar flare (Picture 1).
- Sliding alar flap — narrows the alar base, with the incision placed outside the nostril base. Suited to patients whose nostrils are already well proportioned but who need a narrower base (Picture 2).
- Nostril excision — narrows the alar base with the incision at the nostril base. Suited to patients with a wide nostril base (Picture 3).
- Combined approach — alar wedge resection together with nostril excision, for patients who need both the flare and the base addressed (Picture 4).
Preparation
- Consult with your surgeon about your goals and the most suitable technique.
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery.
- Stop any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements that interfere with blood clotting, such as aspirin.
The Procedure
- Performed under local anesthesia.
- An incision is made in the natural crease above the nasal base, or around the marked site, and the excess tissue is removed.
- The edges are sutured and the shape of the nostrils adjusted for symmetry.
Post-operative care
- Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Avoid salty food for 1–2 weeks to limit swelling.
- Avoid alcohol for two weeks after surgery.
- Keep the area clean every day.
- Stitches are removed seven days after surgery.
- The wound heals gradually over 1–3 months.
- Attend your follow-up appointment one month after surgery.
- Follow all post-operative instructions and attend every appointment.
Risks and Complications
- Redness, swelling, or bleeding after surgery
- Infection
- Scarring
- Asymmetrical nostrils
Recovery
Most patients return to work after about one week, with swelling settling over 1–2 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks. You’ll see the initial result at around four weeks, with the final outcome emerging over the following two to three months as the tissues settle and the scar fades.
Before & After Alarplasty
Why Choose Kamol Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand for Alarplasty / Nostril Reshaping
Thailand is a leading destination for plastic and cosmetic surgery. High-quality specialist skills, first-class hospital care, and affordable cost add up to a compelling package, with the option to recover in comfortable hotels or recovery apartments.
Although it’s a small operation, the result depends on precision — a millimetre either way affects symmetry and how natural the outcome looks. Our surgeons perform nasal surgery routinely across a wide range of nose types and ethnicities, and plan each case around the proportions of the whole face rather than the nose alone. It’s frequently combined with rhinoplasty here, so we can plan both together for a balanced result. Kamol Cosmetic Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), and offers comprehensive care from your first consultation through recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of anesthetic will I need?
In most cases, Alarplasty can be performed under a local anesthetic. However, if it is combined with a full rhinoplasty, a general anesthetic will usually be required.
What is the recovery time for Alarplasty?
Recovery time for an Alarplasty is relatively quick compared to other facial surgeries. Your nose will be red and swollen initially, but this should recede in 1 to 2 weeks, and final results can be seen in as little as 2 months.
Will alarplasty affect my breathing?
In most cases, no. Alar wedge resection works on the outside of the nostril and doesn’t change the airway. Techniques that remove tissue from the nostril base can narrow the opening, so your surgeon plans these carefully to keep airflow comfortable. If you already have breathing problems, a septum correction can be done at the same time as part of rhinoplasty.
Will the scars be noticeable?
Incisions are placed in the natural crease where the nostril meets the cheek, or just inside the nostril base, so scars sit in a shadowed fold. They’re usually pink for the first few weeks, then fade over three to six months. People with darker skin or a history of raised scars should mention it at consultation, as extra scar care may be advised. If a thick scar develops, it can be treated; see keloid removal.
Is this operation likely to make a big difference to my looks?
The nose takes center stage in the face and significantly affects overall looks. Alarplasty makes a massive difference to a person’s looks because a flared nose can quickly become more refined and beautiful.
Should I have alarplasty with a nose implant?
Often, yes, or at least plan both together. Raising the bridge and tip with an augmentation rhinoplasty can make the nostrils look less flared on its own. Your surgeon may therefore recommend doing the implant first, or in the same operation, so that only the necessary amount of tissue is removed from the nostrils.
Are surgeons in Thailand experienced with different nose types?
Yes. Thailand treats patients from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, so its surgeons routinely work with a wide range of nostril shapes and skin types. At Kamol Hospital, nasal surgery is also a regular part of facial feminization surgery, which requires precise attention to facial proportion. View our before-and-after gallery to see results.
Is it worth travelling to Bangkok, Thailand for alarplasty?
For many international patients, yes. Bangkok is one of the world’s leading destinations for cosmetic surgery, offering highly experienced, board-certified surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals at prices often well below those in Western countries.
Although alarplasty is a small operation, the result depends on millimetre precision — and Kamol Hospital’s surgeons perform nasal surgery routinely across a wide range of nose types and ethnicities. It’s also frequently combined with rhinoplasty here, so both can be planned together, with the option to recover in comfortable hotels or recovery apartments. Kamol Trip can help arrange your accommodation and appointments.
How long do I need to stay in Bangkok after alarplasty?
Most patients return to work after about a week, so international patients are generally advised to stay in Bangkok for around seven days so stitches can be removed and early swelling can settle before flying home. If you’re combining alarplasty with a full rhinoplasty, plan for a slightly longer stay. Kamol Hospital can help coordinate your accommodation and follow-up schedule so your recovery in Thailand is comfortable and well supported.
