Alarplasty — also called nostril reduction surgery — is a targeted procedure that narrows, reshapes, or repositions the alar base: the outer edges of the nostrils where the nose meets the face. When the nostrils are wider than the distance between the inner corners of the eyes, or when they flare noticeably on smiling, alarplasty can create a more proportionate, balanced nasal appearance.
It is a relatively modest intervention in terms of surgical complexity, but the visual impact — particularly in photographs and in the way light falls across the face — can be remarkable. Istanbul’s surgeons have extensive experience with this technique across diverse ethnicities, understanding that the ideal nostril width varies considerably by facial structure, heritage, and individual aesthetic goal.
Alarplasty is particularly well-suited to patients who:
Alarplasty can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with rhinoplasty or tip plasty as part of a comprehensive nasal reshaping plan.
Alarplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or as part of a general anaesthetic if combined with other nasal procedures. Small, carefully planned wedge excisions are made at the base of each nostril, and the remaining tissue is sutured together to produce a narrower, more refined alar base.
The incisions are placed in the natural crease where the alar meets the cheek, making the resulting scar extremely discreet. With proper sun protection and scar care in the months following surgery, these marks fade to near-invisibility.
Recovery is generally quicker than from more extensive rhinoplasty procedures. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Full scar maturation takes several months.
Istanbul’s surgeons see patients from an exceptionally wide range of ethnic backgrounds, which means they have deep practical experience tailoring alarplasty results to different facial types. This is not a one-size-fits-all procedure — results that look natural and balanced must account for the individual’s wider facial architecture — and the breadth of experience available in Istanbul is a genuine clinical advantage.
Askeroglu Health Group arranges the full experience: consultation, surgery, accommodation, transfers, and aftercare. Contact us to begin with a free, no-obligation assessment.