The nose, located at the center of the face, significantly influences one's overall impression. For this reason, many people consider rhinoplasty to improve their appearance or image. However, no matter how high the bridge of the nose is, it is difficult to project a sophisticated impression if the tip is blunt or the nostrils are wide. Therefore, if this applies to you, rhinoplasty should be performed with a focus on reducing the size of the nostrils.

What is alar reduction surgery applied to a bulbous nose?
Since ancient times, a nose with blunt, wide tips was called a "lucky nose." In physiognomy, it was regarded as a good nose that attracts wealth. However, with recent shifts in beauty standards, more people now prefer noses with tips that are slightly upturned like traditional Korean socks (beoseon) rather than thick, rounded ones. This is because they can convey a sophisticated and urban impression. In fact, a slightly upturned nose draws attention to the center of the face, making it appear relatively smaller, while a high nose has the effect of making a long face look shorter and slimmer.

A significant number of people undergo 'alar reduction surgery' to achieve these effects. Alar reduction surgery is necessary when the nostrils are wide or thick, when the tip of the nose is blunt or appears spread out due to excess flesh, or when the nostrils are large or asymmetrical. The surgery is divided into incisional and non-incisional methods; if thick fat has accumulated at the tip of the nose, it is removed to make it thinner, and if the nostrils are widely spread, the skin is excised and sutured according to the thickness and degree of spreading to naturally bring the nostrils together.

What is the difference between the non-incisional method (non-open alar reduction) and the incisional method?
The method for reducing the size of the nostrils varies depending on their shape, the duration of the results, and the desired appearance. If you desire a quick recovery or only want a minimal reduction, you can undergo 'non-incisional nostril reduction,' which involves gathering the widened nostrils from the inside and tying them with sutures. On the other hand, if there is a need to correct the nostrils or if the width of the nostrils is excessive, an incisional method is required to reduce the nostrils along with the tip of the nose.

While external scars from bulbous nose surgery performed via external incisions usually fade to the point of being inconspicuous over time, closed alar reduction may be performed if scarring is a concern. Closed alar reduction is a method of reducing the size of the nostrils from the inside by making a tiny incision on the inner side of the nostril so that the scar is not visible from the outside.

What is the key to successful nostril reduction surgery?
The key to alar reduction surgery lies in two things: accurately measuring and determining the amount of tissue to be removed to ensure symmetry between both sides, and suturing the incisions so that they are inconspicuous. While alar reduction surgery tends to be perceived as a simple procedure to narrow wide nostrils, achieving a natural reduction requires considering the size of the nostrils, skin thickness, elevation, and even the degree of nasal asymmetry. This is because simply reducing the size will not result in a harmonious overall shape. Therefore, it is necessary to consider all these factors to determine the size that suits you. This requires a precise consultation with a medical team. You can achieve highly satisfactory results by proceeding with surgery only after thoroughly examining your nose shape with the medical staff.

Written by Director Do Eon-rok (Plastic Surgeon)