Alar Reduction (Alarplasty)
Alar Reduction (Alarplasty) in Singapore
The shape and width of the nostrils play a subtle yet impactful role in facial balance. For individuals with wide or flared nostrils, the nose may appear disproportionately broad in relation to other features. Alar reduction, also known as alarplasty, is a surgical procedure that narrows the base of the nose, creating a more refined and harmonious nasal profile. It’s a small adjustment that can have a beautifully transformative effect.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Colin Tham
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
MB ChB (Aberdeen), FRCS (Ireland), FAMS
Alarplasty, also commonly known as alar reduction, is a surgical cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing the size of one’s nostrils. With this specific surgical procedure, the section of the nose that extends from the rounded tips of your nostrils to the cheek, also known as the alar, is targeted and operated on. Alarplasty is specially aimed at changing the width and roundness of one’s nostrils.
In alarplasty, there is no cutting and modification of bone or cartilage. Only skin and fat are altered or removed. Small incisions are made at the alar-facial junction, where the nose connects with the cheeks. A precisely measured amount of tissue is removed.
The junction is carefully relocated towards the center of the nasal base. The incision is then sutured, narrowing the span of the nostrils. This form of nose surgery results in narrower and less flared nostrils. This surgical procedure is usually conducted under local anaesthesia. The surgery is quick and takes less than an hour. Recovery is relatively fast, with most patients returning to work after 5 days.
What is an alarplasty?
The nasal alae are the two “wings” of the nose which border the nostrils. An alarplasty refers to a surgical procedure to reshape and most commonly, to reduce these “wings”.
Who would benefit From An Alarplasty?
If you feel that your nostrils are too wide / large then you may benefit aesthetically from an Alarplasty. One way to estimate is to draw a vertical line down from the inner corner of your eye. If the side of the nose extends far beyond this line then your alae are probably wide.
How is a nostrilplasty different from an alarplasty?
Nostrilplasty refers to a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to reshape the nostril, thus an alarplasty can be considered a type of nostrilplasty. Another common form of nostrilplasty is to close “open” nostrils; nostrils which appear too visible from the front.
How long does the surgery take?
Alarplasties and nostrilplasties usually take less than an hour.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients return to work within a week.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr Colin Tham
Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon MB ChB (Aberdeen), FRCS (Ireland), FAMS
Trained in Scotland and Singapore, Dr Colin Tham has more than 20 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. A Ministry of Health-accredited specialist, his career spans a fellowship at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan), public-sector work, and his current role as Director of the Aesthetics Division at Asia HealthPartners. He also trains fellow doctors internationally and is known for his meticulous, patient-focused care.