Alar Base Reduction in London

What is an alar base reduction?

reduction, also known as alarplasty, is a that the width and contour of the nostrils to bring the nose into better proportion with the rest of the face. It focuses on the lower part of the nose, the alar base, where the nostrils meet the cheeks. By making small, precise adjustments, the aim is to achieve a subtle, rather than a dramatic change.

At , Mr Naveen Cavale, and Surgeon, approaches every reduction with care and . Using fine in the of the nostrils, he gently removes or repositions small of tissue to narrow wide or flared nostrils while preserving the natural curvature and structure of the nose.

This is most in patients with nasal bases, often seen in individuals of or Afro-Caribbean heritage. In these cases, the goal is to refine the nasal shape while maintaining ethnic identity and achieving beautifully balanced results.

The result is a shape that with your facial features, rather than your appearance. In some cases, the can also strengthen the to improve airflow and comfort.

reduction can be as a or combined with a rhinoplasty or for a more . Each operation is to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and overall facial proportions to ensure results that look balanced, natural, and long-lasting.

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Before and After

Why consider an alar base reduction?

The shape and width of the have a on facial aesthetics. For some, wide or can make the nose appear disproportionately large or from other features. Alar base reshapes this area to create better and balance. The procedure can also be beneficial for patients with functional concerns, such as nasal valve weakness or airway narrowing, improving both and appearance.

Alar base reduction can:

Mr Cavale’s approach is and conservative, on rather than to give his patients natural, results. Every adjustment is made to preserve your while and .

Types of alar base reduction techniques

Alarplasty can be performed using several techniques, chosen according to your and . During your consultation, Mr Cavale will which method best suits your goals.

Alar wedge excision
This technique removes a small wedge-shaped piece of tissue where the nostril meets the cheek (the alar base). It the without affecting the of the nose. Incisions are hidden within the crease, to minimal visible scarring and a subtle, natural refinement.

Nasal sill excision
A small is made inside the nostril to remove excess tissue from the inner base. This width and further limits visible . It is often with the excision for and proportion.

V-Y advancement
Mr generally avoids using the V-Y advancement technique, as it can leave more visible scarring around the nostrils. He prefers alternative methods that achieve natural of the nasal base with subtler, better-concealed scars.

By selecting the most technique, or of techniques, Mr every alarplasty to meet your specific aesthetic and functional needs.

Alar base reduction vs alar rim correction

While alar base reduction and reshapes the openings, correction (or treatment for retraction) on or restoring the outer edge of the .

Alar rim when the rim of the higher than the base of the nose, an angular, upturned appearance. It may result from previous surgery, factors, or trauma, and can cause in the nasal cartilage, leading to valve collapse and breathing difficulties.

In correction, fine grafts, taken from the septum, ear, or a source, are placed to a smooth, even curve to the nostril edge. This provides both and better for the nasal valves.

Patients a of alar base reduction and rim correction to a balanced, symmetrical nasal base that .

Between 2 and 2.5 hours. We use a general anaesthetic and you can usually go home on the same day.

days off work.

We recommend patients begin gentle movement around two days after surgery. such as walking, stairs, and out tasks are encouraged to support circulation and recovery.

You can begin and doing more strenuous activities at six weeks.

Most patients can resume driving two weeks after surgery, provided they feel comfortable.

You can shower the day after surgery, but it's important to keep any wounds and and completely dry.

Between six months to a full year. While most swelling subsides within the first few months, subtle changes and final results may continue to develop over time.

provides a . It can be with other and when looking to rejuvenate the appearance and of ageing.

To and structural concerns such as dorsal humps, nasal deviation, asymmetry, or size. The procedure also aims to contour and function, including correction of breathing difficulties caused by nasal obstruction (e.g. septum).

If you have any doubts. Our team of will and guide you through your treatment journey. During your consultation, Mr Cavale will determine your and your .

The Patient Journey: Alar Base Reduction

Your consultation with Mr takes place at the , lasting around 30 minutes. During this time, he will examine your nasal anatomy, assess airflow and structural strength, and discuss your goals. Virtual consultations are also available, but an is required before surgery. To book your alar base consultation, visit our booking page . 

Alar base reduction can be performed under local anaesthesia, a straightforward option with minimal downtime and lower cost. Alternatively, it can be done as a day-case procedure under TIVA (total intravenous anaesthesia), which takes around an hour. If you choose this option, you’ll need someone to stay with you overnight after .

care includes:

Most patients return to work within a week, with to improve over the following month. If you have concerns during recovery, Mr Cavale and the team are always available to reassurance and advice.

What to Expect on the Day:

On the day of your procedure, you’ll meet Mr Cavale to review your plan and ensure all are clear. can either be performed under local anaesthesia, a simple, lower-cost option with minimal downtime, or as a under TIVA general anaesthesia for maximum comfort and a smooth, rapid .

The operation takes approximately 60–90 minutes, and you’ll return home later the same day. Fine stitches are placed inside the nostrils or along the natural crease at the base of the nose. These are either dissolvable or removed at your .

You can shower the next day, the nose dry until stitches are . Mild or tightness is normal and within 1–2 weeks. Most patients see refined results within a few weeks, with improvement over time.

Book a Consultation

Every transformation starts with a conversation. During your consultation at Real Plastic Surgery, we’ll take the time to your concerns, assess your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you. Book your today and take the first step towards your best

Frequently Asked Questions

Full reshapes the entire nose, the bridge and septum, whereas alar base reduction focuses only on the lower third. It’s ideal for patients happy with their nasal bridge and tip and want to refine width or shape.

Yes. In cases where weak or flared contributes to nasal valve collapse, alarplasty can restore support and improve airflow. If obstruction is also present, Mr Cavale may recommend combining with a septoplasty or tip refinement.

are carefully placed within the natural creases of the to make scars virtually undetectable once healed. Over time, they fade to blend with the surrounding skin.

Most patients can return to work or social activities within one week. Light and redness may for several weeks but continue to improve. Avoid exercise for around two weeks, and expect full healing within four to six weeks.

Yes, the results of alar base are to be . The retain their refined shape once healed, though ageing may subtly alter nasal skin and soft tissue over time.

Alarplasty may be if you:

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