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2026.06.17
What Are the Drawbacks of Alar Reduction? Why Do People Choose It Despite the Risks?
Specialist in rhinoplasty. He is a board certified plastic surgeon by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Based on the principle of “maximum effect with minimum treatment,” I propose the best surgical techniques and plans for my patients from various angles. He specializes in designs that beautifully accentuate the "individuality" of the patient while taking into account the golden ratio of the face. In particular, we create full-custom-made prostheses by combining CT and Vectra data to create full-scale blueprints, which are then precisely finished based on clay prototypes handmade from scratch on a skull model. The shape of the prosthesis can be reproduced with high precision as per the presented simulation, so that even the most detailed wishes can be met and stable results can be achieved.
Hello.
I am Yu Yagasugi, a board-certified plastic surgeon with the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Bianca Clinic.
Alar reduction, a type of rhinoplasty, is a procedure that can address a variety of nasal concerns, but it does carry certain risks. It would be a shame if you underwent alar reduction without fully understanding the risks beforehand and ended up thinking, “This wasn’t supposed to happen…”
With the goal of reducing the number of such people—even by just one.In this article, we’ll explain some of the commonly cited drawbacks of alar reduction surgery. We’ll also discuss the benefits of this procedure, which explain why people still choose it despite these drawbacks.
What Are the Drawbacks of Nose Wing Reduction? Risks You Should Be Aware Of
Nasal wing reduction procedures are broadly categorized into the medial and lateral approaches, but neither option is entirely risk-free. If the results are unexpected, many people tend to view this as a drawback. The following are some of the most commonly cited drawbacks of nasal wing reduction:
Scars remain
Although the location varies, alar reduction surgery often involves incisions made with a scalpel, so the risk of scarring is frequently cited as a drawback. In reality, with the internal approach—which involves an incision inside the nose—scars are less likely to be visible from the outside. With the external approach—which involves an incision on the outside of the nose—scars are more likely to remain, depending on where the incision is made. This is also an area where the surgeon’s skill in making incisions and suturing plays a significant role.
Unnatural Shape
The nose may take on an unnatural shape, such as appearing “stuck on” or “pinched.” While this may be due to the surgeon’s skill or the design of the procedure, it can also be influenced by the patient’s own background. There are various possible causes, including patients who have previously undergone alar reduction surgery or those for whom alar reduction was not suitable in the first place.
Left-right difference
While the human body naturally has slight differences between the left and right sides, there are cases where the resulting appearance shows a noticeable asymmetry that goes beyond the norm. Although achieving perfect symmetry can be challenging, if you are clearly concerned about asymmetry after surgery, revision surgery may be an option.
Backtracking
Reversal: Alar ReductionThis is one of the disadvantages often cited. Because the tissue in the nostrils is firm, especiallyにInternal incisiononlyThere are also cases where the results tend to revert. In addition to the medial and lateral methods, there is another type of buried-thread procedure (non-surgical alar reduction) that uses dissolvable sutures to tighten the alar base; however, the tendency for the results to revert is also cited as a drawback in this method.
Worsening of a Bulbous Nose
Sometimes, people who undergo surgery to correct a bulbous nose—a source of self-consciousness—find that their condition actually worsens. A bulbous nose is characterized by a prominent, rounded tip and excessive volume. It’s possible that making the nostrils smaller actually draws more attention to the tip of the nose. Nasal tip reduction or rhinoplasty is another option to consider.
Effects on Breathing
Nasal wing reduction can make the nostrils narrower, potentially leading to difficulty breathing—a condition often referred to as a “plug nose.” This is caused by the nostrils becoming too narrow or losing their natural roundness in an effort to increase the height of the nose.
Can't go back
As is true of other surgical procedures, the risk of irreversible results increases if the lateral approach to alar reduction is taken too far. While there are methods that use tissue from the ear to restore the shape, these place a significant burden on the body. It is important to proceed with caution during the planning stage.
What Are the Benefits of Alar Reduction (Nose Wing Reduction)? If You Choose to Have the Procedure at BIANCA CLINIC
Although there are drawbacks to alar reduction, it continues to attract attention in the field of rhinoplasty because it offers compelling benefits. Let’s review the benefits of alar reduction.
For a clean, refined look around the nostrils
With alar reduction surgery, we aim to reduce the fullness of the nose to create a sleeker, more refined appearance. Even when it comes to the nostrils alone—whether they’re wide or thick—everyone’s unique. Bianca Clinic is home to several doctors with extensive experience in rhinoplasty. We can transform a wide variety of alar shapes into your ideal alar appearance.
You can make your nostrils smaller
A nasal wing reduction (alar reduction) can also help refine the appearance of your nostrils. If you’re self-conscious about large nostrils, let us help you achieve a nose with an elegant appearance. While the internal approach is typically used to address nose size, depending on your specific condition, we may combine the internal and external approaches to help you achieve your ideal shape and size.
A more balanced nose enhances your facial appearance
When the overall balance of the nose is improved through alar reduction, the overall impression of your face is enhanced. When designing the alae, it’s important to consider their relationship with other facial features, such as the shape and width of the eyes. At Bianca Clinic, we use the 3D simulation system “VECTRA®” to carefully plan the ideal final shape of your nose.
Case Studies of Alar Reduction (Nasal Wing Reduction)
[Procedure Name] Glabella Reshaping + Rhinoplasty (Custom-Made Implant), Septum Extension (Rib Cartilage), Alar Reduction (Lateral + Medial, Flap Technique), Chin Implant Insertion [Image Description] Left: Before surgery; Right: 2 months after surgery [Cost] Glabella Reshaping + Rhinoplasty (Custom-Made Implant): 660,000 yen; Septum Lengthening (Rib Cartilage): 880,000 yen; Alar Reduction (Lateral + Medial, Flap Technique) 550,000 yen, Mandibular Implant 421,080 yen 【Side Effects & Risks】Crooked nasal bridge or tip, flared nostrils, discomfort, scarring, relapse, infection, etc.
This is a case that combines glabellar reshaping, rhinoplasty (custom-made implant), septal extension (using rib cartilage), alar reduction (lateral and medial, using the flap technique), and chin implant placement. Rather than focusing solely on the nostrils, the design takes into account the balance with the nasal bridge, tip, and chin. This approach minimizes the appearance of wide or prominent nostrils, aiming for a more natural profile and frontal appearance.
▶Learn about BIANCA CLINIC's alar reduction (nose wing reduction)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are common questions we receive from patients regarding alar reduction (nose wing reduction). If you have any other concerns, please feel free to discuss them with your doctor during your consultation.
What is the downtime for alar reduction (nose wing reduction)?
You can expect swelling to last for a few days and bruising to last for about 10 days. Although the duration of downtime varies from person to person, in most cases, symptoms gradually subside.
Are the scars from alar reduction (nose wing reduction) noticeable?
Since the incision is made along the inside of the nose or the groove beside the nostrils, the scar should be barely noticeable. However, depending on your body type, some people may experience swelling around the suture site. This will become less noticeable over time.
Will people notice if I get alar reduction surgery?
If the surgery is performed properly, it is highly unlikely that anyone around you will notice. However, in rare cases—such as when the results look unnatural or the scars are noticeable—people may notice.
When can I start wearing makeup after alar reduction surgery?
Once the stitches are removed one week after the procedure, you can start wearing makeup the very next day. As long as you avoid rubbing your nose or the surrounding area, you can apply spot makeup immediately after the procedure.
What other procedures can be performed at the same time as alar reduction (nose wing reduction)?
While the specific procedure recommended is at the doctor’s discretion, many rhinoplasty options—such as tip rhinoplasty and alar base reduction—can be considered.
Minimizing the Drawbacks of Nostril Reduction | BIANCA CLINIC’s Customized Design
At Bianca Clinic, our alar reduction procedures are tailored to each individual, with the goal of achieving the desired final result. We offer the internal approach, the external approach, and sometimes a combination of both, as well as the option to combine this procedure with other treatments. Since there is some risk involved, this is a procedure that some people may find has drawbacks.
However, to help minimize these drawbacks as much as possible, the skilled nose specialists at Bianca Clinic will guide you toward your ideal nose through careful planning and precise procedures.
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