Alar Base Reduction in Seoul, Korea
Alar base reduction narrows wide nostrils or flaring alae. It can be done through a small incision in the natural crease outside the nostril, inside the nostril sill, or with a non-incision suture technique, depending on the shape of your nose.
- Procedure time
- About 1–2.5 hours
- Anesthesia
- IV sedation or general anesthesia
- Time in Seoul
- 7–9 days in Seoul
- Recovery
- Splint off around day 7
Who is Alar Base Reduction for?
- Your nostrils spread widely when you smile
- Your nostrils look large
- The alae are wide relative to the tip
How Alar Base Reduction works
The width of the alar base strongly affects how wide the nose looks from the front. Reduction removes a small wedge of tissue or draws the bases together.
External incisions are placed in the alar crease, where the scar usually blends in; internal incisions reduce the nostril floor; a non-incision suture is an option for mild width.
Over-reduction makes nostrils look pinched, so we keep the change within a natural range.
Our approach to Alar Base Reduction
External excision
Directly reduces flare, with the scar placed in the crease.
Non-incision option
Lower scar burden, but a smaller change and a risk of loosening.
Avoiding over-correction
Reduction is kept within a natural range.
Alar Base Reduction: step by step
- MeasurementAlar width, nostril shape and flare are measured.
- Technique choiceExternal, internal or suture technique is selected.
- Excision or sutureTissue is removed or the bases are drawn together.
- Fine closureFine sutures are used and removed around day 5–7.
Alar reduction techniques compared
| Technique | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| External incision | Removes tissue from the ala | Thick, flaring alae |
| Internal incision | Reduces the nostril floor | Large nostrils |
| Non-incision suture | Draws bases together with a suture | Mild width |
Risks and side effects of Alar Base Reduction
- Visible scarCrease scars usually fade well, but can remain visible in some skin types.
- AsymmetryNostrils may heal slightly differently.
- LooseningSuture-only methods can relax over time.
All medical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the risks that apply to you and discuss alternatives before you decide.
Alar Base Reduction recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Surgery and rest in a private recovery room; most patients return to their hotel the same day. Cold compresses start straight away. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling and bruising usually peak. Keep your head elevated, walk gently and avoid alcohol, saunas and exercise. |
| Days 5–7 | Check-up at the clinic; stitches, splints or tapes are removed where used. Most patients are cleared to fly after this visit. |
| Week 2 | Most visible swelling has eased and many people return to desk work and light make-up. |
| Months 1–3 | Residual swelling keeps settling and the shape refines. Strenuous exercise is usually resumed after 4 weeks. |
| Months 6–12 | The final result is generally assessed at this stage. We follow up online after you return home. |
Aftercare tips
- Sleep with your head raised for the first 1–2 weeks.
- Do not wear glasses on the bridge for about 4 weeks.
- Avoid blowing your nose, swimming and saunas for 2–4 weeks.
- Stop aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E 1–2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 2–4 weeks; both slow healing.
Planning your trip to Seoul for Alar Base Reduction
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home.
Cellis Lab Clinic occupies its own seven-story building at 244 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam and about an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5). Incheon International Airport is roughly 70–90 minutes away by airport limousine bus or taxi.
Before you book flights, send your photos and questions on WhatsApp. We will reply in English with an initial assessment, a provisional plan and a quote range, then confirm the plan at your in-person consultation.
What affects the cost of Alar Base Reduction in Korea?
- Closed or open approach
- Implant, rib, ear or septal cartilage and dermis
- Primary surgery or revision
- Combined procedures such as septoplasty or alar reduction
Prices are quoted individually after consultation and include the items listed in your written quote.
Alar Base Reduction FAQ
Will alar reduction leave a scar?
External techniques leave a fine scar in the alar crease, which usually becomes hard to notice.
Can alar reduction be combined with rhinoplasty?
Yes, it is often combined with tip plasty or bulbous nose correction.
When are stitches removed?
Usually around day 5–7.
Where can I get Alar Base Reduction in Seoul, Korea?
Cellis Lab Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam — performs Alar Base Reduction. The clinic is an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5).
How much does Alar Base Reduction cost in Korea?
The cost of Alar Base Reduction depends on the technique, materials and extent of treatment. We provide a written quote after an online consultation with photos or an in-person examination.
How long should I stay in Korea for Alar Base Reduction?
For surgery we generally recommend about 7–9 days in Seoul, so stitches or splints can be checked around day 5–7 before you fly home. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.
Can I have a consultation in English before travelling?
Yes. Send photos and your questions on WhatsApp in English. We reply with an initial opinion, a suggested plan and the dates you would need in Seoul.
About your surgeon
Dr. Yang Dong-Jun is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of surgical experience and the developer of the SOFIT, SOFTXIL and VXIL techniques. He performs the consultation and the operation himself.
Related rhinoplasty procedures
- Tip PlastyRefining a bulbous, low or drooping tip
- Dorsal AugmentationRaising a low nasal bridge
- Bulbous Nose CorrectionSlimming a wide, round tip
- Dorsal Hump ReductionSmoothing a bump on the bridge
- Deviated Nose CorrectionStraightening a crooked nose
- Upturned Nose CorrectionBringing an upturned tip down
- Short Nose LengtheningLengthening a short nose
- Long Nose CorrectionShortening a long nose
- Drooping Tip CorrectionLifting a drooping, pointed tip
- Columella LengtheningCorrecting a short or retracted columella
- Alar Retraction CorrectionLowering a lifted nostril rim
- Male RhinoplastyStraight, strong male nasal line