What Exactly Is Alar Base (Nostril) Reduction?
A small wedge of tissue is removed where the nostril meets the cheek, narrowing wide or flared nostrils through a hidden crease incision.
Alar base reduction targets one specific feature: nostrils that look wide or flare outward beyond the corners of the eyes’ inner line. The surgeon removes a small wedge of skin and soft tissue at the nostril base and sutures the edges together, pulling the sidewall inward. The incision sits in the natural crease where nose meets cheek.
What it can and cannot change
The operation narrows nostril width and softens flare, but it does not lift the tip or raise the bridge — pairing with other steps handles those. Removing too much tissue can make nostrils look pinched, and since nostril shape and skin thickness vary by individual, conservative amounts are the norm.
A fine scar line remains in the crease and typically fades over months with scar care. Ask a specialist during consultation to show where your incision would run and how much narrowing your anatomy allows.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.