$5,995
Wide nostrils disrupting facial harmony can affect confidence and self-perception. The disproportionate nostril width draws unwanted attention and makes the nose appear broader than desired. Alarplasty narrows the width of the nostril base, which decreases the size and flaring of the nostrils, with each patient being unique and having different goals. Dr. Craig Janov and Dr. David Santos at Seattle Plastic Surgery offer expert alarplasty procedures to create balanced, natural-looking results.
WHAT IS ALARPLASTY
Alarplasty is a cosmetic procedure for nostril reshaping. Also known as alar base reduction surgery, it narrows the width of the nostrils by removing small wedges of tissue at the base of the nose. The procedure specifically targets the alar base, the bottom portion of the nose where the nostrils meet the cheek. Unlike a typical rhinoplasty procedure, no cartilage or bone is removed in an alarplasty.
This focused approach makes alarplasty an excellent option for patients who are satisfied with their nasal bridge and tip but want to address nostril width or flaring concerns. The surgery creates more proportionate nostrils that complement the overall facial features.
Benefits of Alarplasty
Alarplasty surgery provides numerous aesthetic and functional improvements:
- Reduced nostril width for better facial proportion
- Decreased nostril flaring for a refined appearance
- Improved nasal symmetry when addressing uneven nostrils
- Enhanced facial harmony by balancing nose width with other features
- Minimal scarring hidden in natural nose creases
- Quick recovery compared to full rhinoplasty
- Standalone or combination procedure flexibility
- Improved breathing in some cases of nostril asymmetry
Who is a Good Candidate for Alarplasty?
The procedure works well for individuals with:
- Nostrils wider than the inner corners of the eyes
- Excessive nostril flaring
- Asymmetrical nostril size or shape
- Disproportionate nostril width after previous rhinoplasty
- Ethnic nose characteristics seeking refinement
Candidates should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations about results, and be non-smokers or willing to quit before surgery.
TYPES OF ALARPLASTY TECHNIQUES
At Seattle Plastic Surgery, our surgeons tailor their surgical approach to each patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcomes. Common techniques include:
Wedge Excision
The surgeon makes an incision where the nostril meets the cheek, with the incision being rectangular, triangle or diamond-shaped depending on desired results, removing a wedge of the nostril wall.
Sill Excision
This technique removes tissue from the nostril floor to reduce the width of the nostril opening without affecting the outer nostril rim.
Combined Approach
Different incision techniques may be combined if the surgeon thinks it will yield the best result.
The Alarplasty Procedure
During nostril reduction surgery, the surgeon uses a local anesthetic to numb the area, and the procedure takes about an hour to perform. The surgical process includes:
- Administration of anesthesia (local or general, depending on the combination of procedures)
- Precise markings to ensure symmetry
- Carefully planned incisions in natural creases
- Removal of predetermined tissue wedges
- Sutures to reattach the nostril to the base of the nose are performed on both sides to achieve a balanced and symmetrical result
- Application of surgical tape or a light dressing
The goal is to preserve a natural appearance at the base of the nose.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients return to light routines within a few days. Common early effects include swelling, mild bruising, and localized tenderness. Head elevation and cold compresses during the first 48 hours can improve comfort. Sutures are often removed within a week. Scar maturation and refinement continue for several months.
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Combining Alarplasty with Other Procedures
For patients undergoing nostril reduction at the same time as traditional rhinoplasty, full sedation is used. However, alarplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with open or closed rhinoplasties.
Common combination procedures include:
- Full rhinoplasty for comprehensive nose reshaping
- Tip refinement for complete nasal aesthetics
- Septoplasty for breathing improvements
- Facial fillers for non-surgical enhancements
- Chin augmentation for profile balance
Cost of Alarplasty at Seattle Plastic Surgery
Understanding the cost of any cosmetic procedure is an important part of planning your transformation. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we believe in transparent pricing, ensuring patients know precisely what to expect before moving forward with surgery.
The cost for Alarplasty at Seattle Plastic Surgery starts at $5,995. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed cost breakdown and have the opportunity to explore flexible financing options tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Seattle Plastic Surgery
At Seattle Plastic Surgery, Dr. Craig Janov and Dr. David Santos are highly respected, board-certified surgeons specializing in alarplasty. With decades of combined experience and thousands of successful nasal procedures, they offer patients exceptional care in a modern, accredited surgical facility.
Both surgeons are committed to achieving refined, natural-looking results through personalized treatment plans. Patients benefit from comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, transparent pricing, and flexible financing options. Dr. Janov and Dr. Santos uphold the same high standards of safety, precision, and aesthetics, allowing patients to choose either surgeon based on their preference and scheduling needs.
Schedule Alarplasty at Seattle Plastic Surgery
Refined nasal balance begins with a precise examination and a customized plan. To request a consultation, contact Seattle Plastic Surgery at 206-739-0355 or submit a request through the contact page. A patient care coordinator will guide the following steps and provide scheduling options.
Still Have Questions?
Give us a call at 206-324-1120 Or Chat by clicking the icon in the lower left hand corner of your screen additionally you can Contact Us by filling out the form above.
