Written by Prism Aesthetics Medical Content Team - Medically reviewed by Dr. Maliha Dar, DHA Approved Dermatologist

Balanced nostrils for a nose that suits your face.

Wide or flared nostrils can make the base of the nose look larger than the rest of the nose, even when the bridge and tip look just right. Alarplasty is a short procedure that refines the nostrils and the nose base. At Prism Aesthetics Clinic, our board-certified surgeons offer Alarplasty in Dubai & Abu Dhabi as a stand-alone treatment or together with rhinoplasty. The scars sit in the natural folds of the nostrils, and we explain honestly what to expect before you decide. Read on to see how it works, what recovery is like and what it costs.

Quick Facts:

  • Type of Procedure: Cosmetic nose surgery
  • Treatment Time: About 30 to 60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local, with sedation if preferred (general if combined with rhinoplasty)
  • Pain: Mild, well controlled with medication
  • Downtime: Around 1 week before returning to most activities
  • Stitches: Usually removed after about 5 to 7 days
  • Scars: Small, in the natural fold of the nostrils; they fade gradually
  • Best For: Wide, flared or large nostrils and a broad nose base
  • Initial Consultation: Free

What Is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty, also called alar base reduction or nostril reduction, reshapes the wings of the nose (the alae) and the width of the nostrils. Your surgeon removes a small, carefully planned piece of skin and tissue, either from the outer fold where the nostril meets the cheek or from inside the nostril, and closes it with fine stitches. This narrows the nose base and can reduce flaring. Alarplasty changes the nostrils only. It does not change the bridge or the tip, so it is often combined with rhinoplasty when other changes are wanted.

Aim of Alarplasty:

  • Narrow wide or flared nostrils
  • Reduce the width of the nose base
  • Balance the nostrils with the tip, bridge and rest of the face
  • Complete a rhinoplasty result when the base is still wide
  • Give a natural, harmonious nose that still looks like yours

Who Should Consider Alarplasty?

Alarplasty may suit you if you:

  • Feel your nostrils are wide, large or flare out when you smile
  • Have a nose base that looks wider than your eyes or the rest of the nose
  • Had a rhinoplasty and still find the base too wide
  • Are in good general health and do not smoke
  • Accept that surgery leaves small scars and have realistic expectations

If you are unhappy with the bridge or the tip as well, rhinoplasty may suit you better, with or without alarplasty. Your surgeon will tell you honestly which option fits.

Types Of Alarplasty at Prism Aesthetics Clinic:

Type Features Best For
Alar Base Reduction (Weir Excision) Skin removed at the outer fold where the nostril meets the cheek A wide nose base and flaring nostrils
Nostril Sill Reduction Tissue removed inside the nostril Large nostril openings
Combined Alar Reduction Both techniques together Wide base with large nostrils
Alarplasty with Rhinoplasty Done during rhinoplasty A wide base together with other nose concerns

Your surgeon recommends the right technique after examining your nose. For related options, see our Nose Surgery and Septoplasty pages.

How to Prepare for Alarplasty?

  • Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin and ibuprofen unless your doctor says otherwise
  • Stop smoking well before surgery, as it slows healing
  • Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, allergies and any history of keloid or thick scars
  • Avoid alcohol before the procedure
  • Eat a light meal beforehand, and follow fasting instructions if you are having sedation or general anesthesia
  • Arrange a lift home and plan time off work for about a week

Procedure of Alarplasty:

  1. Initial Consultation: Your surgeon examines your nose from several angles, measures the nostril width, discusses your goals and explains the best option, the scars and the cost clearly.
  2. Marking: The tissue to be removed is carefully marked while you are sitting upright.
  3. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia numbs the area, with sedation if you prefer.
  4. Reshaping: Small, planned wedges of tissue are removed from each side to narrow the nostrils and the base.
  5. Closure: The incisions are closed with very fine stitches.
  6. Dressing & Aftercare Briefing: A light dressing or ointment is applied, and we explain how to care for the area.

What To Expect After the Procedure?

  • Swelling, mild bruising and tightness around the nostrils for several days
  • Mild discomfort, controlled with medication
  • Stitches removed after about 5 to 7 days
  • Small scars that start pink and fade gradually over several months
  • Swelling that settles over weeks, with the final shape visible after a few months

Recovery Timeline:

Timeframe What To Expect
Day 1-3 Swelling, tightness and mild discomfort; keep the area clean
Day 5-7 Stitches removed; most patients return to work
Week 2-3 Swelling and bruising mostly gone
Month 1-3 Scars soften and the nostrils settle into their final shape
Month 6-12 Scars fade and mature

Recovery varies from person to person.

How To Care For Your Nose After the Procedure?

  • Keep the area clean and apply any ointment exactly as prescribed
  • Avoid pressing on, rubbing or picking at the area
  • Do not blow your nose hard until your surgeon says it is safe
  • Sleep with your head raised for the first few nights
  • Avoid strenuous exercise until your surgeon clears it
  • Protect the scars from the sun once healed
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol while healing
  • Attend your follow-up visit and call us if you notice spreading redness, discharge, severe pain or fever

Benefits of our Alarplasty:

  • Narrower, more balanced nostrils and nose base
  • A short procedure, often under local anesthesia
  • Small scars placed in natural folds
  • Can be done alone or together with rhinoplasty
  • A plan built around your nose and face
  • Board-certified surgeons, clear costs and honest advice

Cost of Alarplasty in Dubai:

The cost depends on the technique, the anesthesia, the surgeon’s experience and whether you combine it with rhinoplasty. Your exact price is confirmed after your free consultation, before you agree to anything.

Type of Procedure Cost (AED)
Alarplasty (Alar Base Reduction) [Add price]
Nostril Sill Reduction [Add price]
Alarplasty with Rhinoplasty [Add price]

What Affects the Cost?

  • The technique used
  • Type of anesthesia and facility fees
  • Surgeon’s qualifications and experience
  • Whether combined with rhinoplasty
  • Follow-up visits

Book Us Now

Ready for a more balanced nose? Book your free consultation for Alarplasty in Dubai & Abu Dhabi at Prism Aesthetics Clinic. Our board-certified surgeons will assess your nose, explain your options, the scars and the cost, and tell you honestly what to expect, with no pressure to book on the day.