Achieve facial harmony through nostril reduction surgery, a procedure designed to refine and balance your facial features. This plastic surgery focuses on reshaping and resizing the nostrils to create a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Whether addressing concerns related to asymmetry or disproportionate nostril size, this surgery offers a tailored solution.Â
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Nostril Reduction Surgery
At our world-class plastic surgery clinic in London
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Experience
Surgeons with over 20 years experience
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Close contact
Open communication at all times
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Support
Your wellbeing is our priority
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Harmonise your facial features
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What is nostril reduction surgery (alarplasty)?
Nostril reduction surgery, also known as alarplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape and resize the nostrils. This type of surgery focuses on enhancing facial harmony by addressing concerns related to asymmetry, flaring or disproportionate nostril size.Â
Research has shown that the width of the nose should align with the space between the eyes, making up around 1/5 of the face’s width. However, when the nose’s width is larger than this, individuals may feel as if their face does not look balanced and surgery might be sought after to enhance one’s aesthetic beauty.
During the procedure, a qualified surgeon will carefully adjust the size and shape of the nostrils, often targeting the alar base – the outermost part of the nostrils. This can involve removing excess tissue, reshaping the nostrils, or altering the curvature to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.Â
Nostril reduction surgery is a highly requested surgery for individuals desiring subtle yet effective changes to their nasal proportions, contributing to a more symmetrical and harmonised facial profile.
This type of procedure can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a full rhinoplasty to address various nasal issues.
Why might alarplasty be required?
Wide nostrils that are out of proportion to the rest of the nose can typically lead to unbalanced facial features. In fact, areas like the cheek, mouth or nose can lose their prominence on the face, which can alter one’s beauty. In addition, when the nose is viewed from below, the ideal shape of the nostrils should follow a subtle outward curve between the tip and the alar crease, which is where the alae sit on the cheeks. If this curve is much larger than average, one’s facial proportions will be off-balance.Â
If you feel that you have wide nostrils and it is having a negative impact on your confidence, you may be the ideal candidate for this type of procedure.Â
What are the benefits of nostril reduction surgery?
The nose is the central feature of the face and plays a large role in the overall balance of the face. If you feel as if you might be suitable for this surgery, you can enjoy many benefits, including:Â
- Enhanced facial harmony by aligning the proportions of the nose with other facial features
- Improved asymmetry by reducing or adjusting the size of uneven nostrilsÂ
- Increased self-confidence in appearanceÂ
- Corrects breathing through the nose if there is any airflow obstructionÂ
- Allows individuals to achieve subtle yet impactful changes tailored to their unique aesthetic goals   Â
Quick Reference
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Duration
1 hour
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Driving
2 weeks
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Anaesthesia used
General anaesthesia
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Hospital Stay
Overnight
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Exercise
6 weeks
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Final Result
Results after 3 weeks, though your final results may take a year
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Pre admission tests
Blood tests, MRSA, +/- ECG
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Addresses
Shape and size of nostrils
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Downtime
2 weeks
What our clients say about us
Our nostril reduction surgeons
What to expect from your procedure
Some key information for what to expect in the lead up to, and during your procedure can be found below. We ensure our patients have all the support they need but if you do have further questions these will be addressed at your initial consultation.
The consultation
Before you undergo any plastic surgery procedure at Karidis Clinic, you will have a consultation and a pre-operative assessment with your plastic surgeon. They will listen carefully to your concerns and what you expect to achieve and discuss which procedure, or combination of procedures, is appropriate.
At this stage, they will also ensure you are fully aware of the potential risks and complications inherent in that specific procedure and explain to you what you can expect immediately after surgery, throughout the recovery process, and when you will likely see the final results.
During the pre-operative assessment, the surgeon may take measurements of the area to be operated on and assess your skin tissue quality and the degree of skin laxity. The position of the incisions will also be decided upon.
A full medical history will be taken to ensure you are fit and well and can undergo surgery at this time.
After the initial consultation, there will be a two-week ‘cooling-off’ period before you can decide to proceed with surgery. You are welcome to return for further consultations with your Karidis Clinic surgeon, free of charge, if you have more questions.
Leading up to the procedure
If you make the decision to proceed with surgery, you’ll be given advice on how best to prepare for your operation, and you will have a dedicated Patient Coordinator who can answer any queries you may have.
Any pre-surgery tests can occur at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, a leading London private hospital where Karidis Clinic is based. The hospital has recently built a new wing including a diagnostic department with the latest X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound technology.
We advise patients to stop smoking as soon as possible as nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor, which impedes the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the surgical site. This can slow down healing, increase the chance of infection and even cause tissue to die. Smoking also increases the risks of a general anaesthetic, and smokers are more likely to suffer ill effects from an anaesthetic.
You will also be advised when to discontinue taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medication in advance of your operation. You will be asked to fast six hours before surgery.
On the day
All Karidis Clinic procedures are performed at the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and taken to your stylish and luxurious private room with its spacious ensuite bathroom.
The nursing team will take your blood pressure and relevant vitals, and you will see your Karidis Clinic surgeon, who will make the final mark-ups. Our anaesthetist will also visit you.
Clinical photography will be taken to assist in your care and to enable clinical assessments to be made. These become part of your confidential medical record. These include photographs of the operation site and any distinguishing features and will be taken pre-op and post-op.Â
Your procedure will be performed under a general anaesthetic, and once the surgeon has sutured the incision site, you will be taken to a specialist recovery room.
Treatment recovery
Once the hospital nursing team has ensured your recovery is complete, you will be taken to your hospital room for your overnight stay. The hospital nursing team will be on hand throughout the night, and you will be fitted with compression stockings and a compression device if required.
The following day, you will be visited by your Karidis Clinic surgeon or nurse and then discharged into the care of a friend or family member by the hospital nursing staff.
The pain and discomfort experienced after surgery are unique to the individual patient and the extent of their procedure. However, it should start to subside in the first week and should be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
If necessary, you’ll be advised to wear a specially designed surgical support garment for approximately six weeks after surgery to support you during the healing process.
Depending on the nature of your job, you can usually expect to be able to return to work and normal activities between one to two weeks.
You’ll be given a comprehensive plan for the recovery process, including dates for your cast or suture removal and your check-ups with your Karidis Clinic surgeon. However, we are always on hand throughout this period, and you have access to our dedicated surgical nurse 24/7 if you have any concerns.
HOW MUCH DOES NOSTRIL REDUCTION SURGERY COST?
Tip rhinoplasty surgery requires a surgeon fee, an anaesthetist fee and a hospital fee. The price also includes all of your pre-operative and post-operative care. The cost may vary slightly depending on your unique requirements, but we will give you a detailed quotation following your consultation.
For more information on what our surgical fees cover, get in touch today.
FAQS FOR NOSTRIL REDUCTION SURGERY
Are the results of nostril reduction permanent?
The results of nostril reduction surgery are generally considered to be permanent. However, individual factors such as ageing, skin elasticity, and natural anatomical changes over time can affect the appearance of the nose. Consulting with our plastic surgeons will provide you with more information on the expected permanence of the results based on your individual circumstances.
When will I see the final results?
The final results of nostril reduction surgery will become more apparent as the initial swelling subsides. While there is immediate improvement, it can take several weeks to a few months for the swelling to fully resolve and the tissues to settle. Patients should follow post-operative care instructions provided by our surgeons to optimise healing and minimise swelling. That said, the majority of the swelling typically diminishes within the first few weeks, allowing you to enjoy the final, refined appearance of your nostrils.Â
What does the alarplasty procedure involve?
Alar base reduction surgery focuses on reshaping the width and contour of the nostrils at their base. Your surgeon will begin by making precise incisions within the natural creases of the nostrils. Through these incisions, excess tissue is either removed or adjusted, reducing the width of the nostrils. The type of nostril-trimming technique will be based on the shape of your nostrils and your treatment objectives. Following this, the incisions are then meticulously sutured.Â
The procedure aims to enhance overall facial symmetry and proportion, with initial swelling reducing within weeks and the final results becoming more pronounced as the tissues settle in the following months.
Is nostril reduction surgery painful?
An alarplasty typically comes with minimal discomfort. Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the treated area, ensuring a pain-free experience during the procedure. While some patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the days following surgery, these effects are generally manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients find any post-operative discomfort to be temporary, and the majority resume their normal activities within a short period.
How long does nostril reduction surgery take?
Nostril reduction surgery usually takes about 1 hour to complete. However, the duration may vary based on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is performed as a standalone surgery or in conjunction with other nasal or facial enhancements. That said, an alarplasty is a relatively quick outpatient procedure, and patients often return home the same day.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERING PLASTIC SURGERY
Related surgeries and treatments we offer
Mr Alex Karidis performs plastic surgery aimed at rejuvenating the face, reshaping the body or enhancing the breasts. “I offer the full range of procedures because I have the breadth of training required. Having performed over 20,000 procedures over the last 25 years, our patients get the absolute maximum in terms of expertise.
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Rhinoplasty
So what exactly is ‘rhinoplasty?’ Rhinoplasty, ‘nose reshaping,’ is a surgical procedure that can define, reshape and restructure your nose.
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Non surgical nose job
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as the non-surgical nose job, nose filler, no-knife rhinoplasty or injection rhinoplasty, is an increasingly popular alternative to a surgical rhinoplasty.
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Male rhinoplasty
A nose job (rhinoplasty) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for men.
Related posts and expert insights
Here at the Karidis clinic, our blog is updated regularly to provide you with the most recent trends and insights in the industry. Stay informed by reading our blog articles related to nostril reduction surgery.