Alar Reduction Nose Surgery in Korea:
Best Clinics, Surgeons & Cost Guide
Ala Reduction Surgery in Gangnam, Korea (2025 Guide)
Sculpt Flared Nostrils and Achieve Facial Harmony
Ala reduction — also known as alar base reduction or nostril reduction — is a focused nasal procedure designed to reduce the width and flare of the nostrils. It’s especially popular among patients with broad, rounded, or thick nostril wings, which can overwhelm facial proportions. In Gangnam, Korea, world-renowned rhinoplasty surgeons offer precise, scar-minimizing techniques to reshape the alar base, creating a more balanced and refined appearance.
This guide covers:
- What is alar base reduction
- Who benefits from the procedure
- Surgical techniques used in Korea
- Costs in 2025
- Recommended clinics in Gangnam
- Recovery tips for international patients
What Is Ala Reduction?
The alar base includes the outer parts of the nostrils. When the alae are too wide or flared, it can create the appearance of a flat or overly broad nose. Ala reduction surgery involves removing small wedges of skin and tissue at the nostril base to bring the nostrils closer together and reduce flare.
This procedure is ideal for:
- Wide or flared nostrils
- Asymmetrical nostril shapes
- Ethnic rhinoplasty refinement
- Patients who want minimal change to the bridge or tip
How Do Korean Surgeons Perform Ala Reduction?
Gangnam surgeons prioritize subtlety, balance, and minimal scarring in ala reduction. Most surgeries are performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
1. Weir Excision Technique
- Small crescent-shaped wedges are removed at the base of each nostril
- Incisions are hidden within the alar-facial groove
2. Modified Alar Base Reduction
- Tailored to address asymmetry or severe flare
- Customized skin removal to ensure symmetry and proportion
3. Internal Suturing
- Special suture techniques prevent visible scarring
- Helps hold nostrils in new position and improve healing
4. Combination with Other Rhinoplasty
- Can be done alongside tip plasty, bridge narrowing, or full rhinoplasty for complete reshaping
Ala Reduction Surgery Cost in Gangnam (2025)
Ala reduction is often more affordable than full rhinoplasty, but prices vary based on technique and whether it’s a standalone procedure:
- Standalone ala reduction: ₩2.5M – ₩4M ($1,900–$3,000 USD)
- Combined with full rhinoplasty: ₩6M – ₩8.5M ($4,500–$6,400 USD)
International patients may find inclusive packages with translation, accommodations, and post-op care.
Top Clinics in Gangnam for Ala Reduction
1. ID Hospital
- Expert in subtle nostril narrowing and symmetry correction
2. Banobagi Plastic Surgery
- Ethnic rhinoplasty specialists with extensive experience in nostril refinement
3. Dream Plastic Surgery
- Offers non-visible incision techniques and minimal downtime
4. NANA Plastic Surgery
- High patient satisfaction with natural-looking nostril reshaping
5. 1mm Plastic Surgery
- Precision in minimal scar techniques for delicate nasal bases
Recovery Timeline
Week 1:
- Minor swelling and tightness around nostrils
- Sutures removed after 5–7 days
- Discomfort is minimal; patients can resume light activity
Week 2–3:
- Scars fade quickly if well cared for
- Nostril shape stabilizes
Month 1–3:
- Natural-looking shape becomes fully evident
- Final symmetry can be assessed
Foreign patients are typically safe to return home after 7 days, with remote follow-ups offered by most clinics.
Is It Safe for Foreigners?
Yes. Gangnam clinics perform ala reduction routinely for global patients, offering:
- Multilingual support
- Precise pre-op imaging and design
- Transparent pricing
- Emphasis on scar-free aesthetic results
Final Thoughts
Ala reduction in Korea is a powerful yet subtle way to enhance nasal balance and overall facial harmony. Whether performed alone or alongside a full rhinoplasty, this procedure can dramatically soften and refine your appearance.
If your wide nostrils have been holding back your confidence, consider booking a consultation at one of Gangnam’s top rhinoplasty clinics — and take the next step toward your ideal profile.
ABOUT "ALA REDUCTION NOSE"
Slim down the flat and wide alae!
An ideal characteristic of the nose is that the width of the alae is the same as the width of the glabella between the eyebrows.
If the alae are wider than the glabellar, they may be reduced by removing the skin and subcutaneous tissue from below and inside the nostrils.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

An incision is made below the alae to reduce their size, and the nose tip is made pointier to make the nose appear more refined.
This surgical procedure may be performed alone or in combination with a rhinoplasty procedure.
An incision is made in an area that is not too visible, and the incision line will fade away around a month after surgery.

If the alae are wide only in the lower area, the nostrils are gathered more closely to the centerline, using a thread attached to the bottom. This makes the alae appear narrower in a more natural way, and at the same time, raise the tip of the nose.
Before & After
Contact Us for Rhinoplasty
For international patients seeking expert rhinoplasty services, Very Good Rhinoplasty Surgery offers personalized consultations and treatments tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment—our English-speaking staff is ready to assist you every step of the way.