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What is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty—also known as alar base reduction—is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nostrils and narrows the width of the nasal base.

It is often chosen by patients who feel their nostrils are:

  • Too wide

  • Too flared

  • Too rounded

  • Not proportionate to the rest of the nose

Alarplasty creates a more refined, balanced nasal base, and can be performed as:

  • A standalone surgery

  • Combined with rhinoplasty

  • Performed as part of ethnic rhinoplasty for tailored, natural results

Why Patients Choose Alarplasty

Patients typically seek this procedure to improve:

  • Wide nostrils

  • Excessive nostril flare when smiling

  • A wide or boxy nasal base

  • Asymmetry between nostrils

  • Imbalance between nose and other facial features

Alarplasty can:

  • Create a more sculpted nasal base

  • Improve overall nasal harmony

  • Make the nose look more refined without making it “too small

Dr Kieu’s Approach

As a facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty and nasal anatomy, Dr. Kieu focuses on:

  • Subtle, natural refinement—never over-reducing

  • Preserving ethnic identity and individuality

  • Creating symmetry between the nostrils

  • Choosing the right incision style (Weir, internal, or combined)

  • Ensuring the nose remains structurally strong and functional

  • Prioritizing scar placement that becomes nearly invisible

Our goal is to enhance, not erase, our patient’s natural features.

Ideal Candidates

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have wide or flared nostrils

  • Feel the nostril shape doesn’t match the rest of your nose

  • Want a more refined nasal base

  • Desire subtle, natural improvement

  • Have realistic expectations

  • Are in good general health

Alarplasty is popular among patients seeking:

  • Ethnic rhinoplasty optimization

  • Nose-balancing without a full rhinoplasty

  • Post-rhinoplasty refinement

 
Learn More about Alarplasty