Alarplasty

Refine wide or flared nostrils with Alarplasty (Alar Base Reduction) in Sydney.

Alarplasty Sydney: Specialist Alar Base Reduction Surgery

Correct Wide or Flared Nostrils with Precision Alar Base Surgery

Practitioner: Dr Mohaghegh, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MED0001627149)2
Location: Sydney, NSW

What is Alarplasty (Alar Base Reduction)?

Alarplasty, clinically referred to as Alar Base Reduction, is a specialized cosmetic surgical procedure dedicated to refining the size, shape, and width of the nostrils.

While a traditional rhinoplasty focuses on the bridge and tip of the nose, an alarplasty specifically targets the alar lobules (the outer wings of the nose) and the nostril sills (the floor of the nostril where it connects to the upper lip). This procedure is the gold standard for correcting nostrils that appear disproportionately wide or “flared” in relation to the rest of the facial features.

Anatomy of the Nostril: Why Your Nose Looks Wide

To understand which technique is right for you, it is important to understand the two distinct anatomical causes of a wide nose:

Alar Flaring: This refers to the curvature of the nostril walls. Even if the base of the nose is narrow, the nostril rims may curve outward excessively, creating a “flared” look.
Wide Alar Base (Nostril Sill Width): This refers to the actual width of the nostril floor. In this case, the attachment point of the nostril to the cheek is positioned too far laterally (outward).

Dr Mohaghegh assesses these two factors to determine which surgical method will yield the most natural result.

Comprehensive Surgical Techniques

Unlike many clinics that use a “one-cut-fits-all” approach, Dr Mohaghegh employs specific incision techniques based on your unique anatomy.

1. The Wedge Excision (Weir Technique)

Best for: Excessive Alar Flaring.

This technique targets the outer curvature of the nostril.

The Procedure: A wedge-shaped piece of tissue is excised from the external alar flare, just above the crease where the nose meets the cheek.
The Result: It reduces the “roundness” or flare of the nostril walls without necessarily narrowing the floor of the nose.
Scar Placement: The incision is hidden in the external alar-facial groove (the natural crease).

2. The Nasal Sill Excision

Best for: Wide Nostril Floor (Base Width).

This technique targets the width of the nostril base itself.

The Procedure: An incision is made inside the nostril floor (the sill) to remove a specific amount of skin and soft tissue. The nostril is then advanced inward.
The Result: It physically narrows the width of the nose base, bringing the nostrils closer to the centre of the face.
Scar Placement: The incision is hidden largely inside the nostril or along the sill, making it very discreet.

3. Combined Wedge and Sill Excision

Best for: Patients with both Flaring and a Wide Base.

Many patients present with a combination of both issues. In these cases, Dr Mohaghegh performs a hybrid technique, removing a geometric pattern of tissue that addresses both the flare and the width simultaneously. This provides the most comprehensive reduction.

4. V-Y Advancement

Best for: Specialized Alar Repositioning.

This is a more complex technique used when the insertion point of the alar needs to be moved without removing significantly large amounts of skin.

The Procedure: A V-shaped incision is made and sutured in a Y-shape to push tissue forward or inward.
Note: This technique is less common due to the potential for visible scarring but is a powerful tool for specific anatomical requirements.

Alarplasty: Standalone vs. Combined with Rhinoplasty

Standalone Alarplasty

Anaesthesia: Often performed under Local Anaesthesia (awake but numb).
Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes.
Recovery: Faster recovery; patients can often drive themselves home.
Goal: Strictly addresses the nostrils. It will not change the bridge, tip, or profile of the nose.

Combined with Rhinoplasty

Anaesthesia: General Anaesthesia.
Duration: Added to the 2–3 hour rhinoplasty surgery.
Recovery: Follows the standard rhinoplasty recovery (1–2 weeks).
Goal: Total facial balancing. If you have a large nasal tip, reducing the nostrils alone can sometimes make the tip look larger by comparison. Dr Mohaghegh will advise if a standalone procedure is suitable for your proportions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You may be a suitable candidate for Alar Base Reduction if:

Nostril Width: Your nostrils extend beyond the inner corners of your eyes (medial canthus).
Dynamic Flaring: Your nose widens significantly when you smile or express emotion.
Asymmetry: One nostril is visibly larger or differently shaped than the other.
Previous Rhinoplasty: You have had a nose job that addressed the bridge/tip but left the nostrils untouched.
Realistic Expectations: You understand that while symmetry is the goal, perfect symmetry is rare in nature.

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

Recovery from Alarplasty is generally well-tolerated, especially when performed as a standalone procedure.

Day 0 (Surgery): You may experience mild throbbing. Cold compresses are recommended to reduce swelling.
Day 1-3: Swelling is normal. You must avoid strenuous activity and bending over.
Day 5-7 (Suture Removal): Dr Mohaghegh typically uses fine sutures to minimize scarring. These are removed after one week.
Week 2: Most “social downtime” is over. Redness along the incision line can be covered with makeup.
Week 6: The majority of swelling has subsided.
Month 3-6: Scars continue to mature and fade from red/pink to a fine white line.

Crucial Aftercare Rule: You must avoid exaggerated facial expressions (excessive laughing, yawning, or opening the mouth wide) for the first 2 weeks to prevent tension on the suture lines, which can widen the scars.

Risks and Complications

All surgery carries risk. While Alarplasty is a smaller procedure than full rhinoplasty, complications can include:

Scarring: While incisions are placed in natural creases, visible scarring is possible.
Asymmetry: Minor differences between nostrils may persist.
Notching: A small notch can sometimes form at the sill incision line.
Infection: Rare, but possible with any incision.
Breathing Issues: Over-reduction of the nostrils can compromise the airway (external nasal valve collapse). Dr Mohaghegh prioritizes breathing function above all else.

Alarplasty Cost Sydney

The cost of Alarplasty depends on the complexity and surgical setting.

In-Rooms (Local Anaesthesia): Generally ranges depending on the case and the combination of nose surgery methodologies.
Hospital (General Anaesthesia): Incurs additional hospital and anaesthetist fees.
Surgeon Fee: Depending on your requirements, each patient is given a quote tailored to their case.

Considering a Alarplasty?

If you’re interested in a Alarplasty, contact Dr Mohaghegh and his team today by clicking here.

Have a Question?

Interested in this procedure? Contact us today to find our more by speaking with our team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are consultations?

For minor procedures, like moles, lesion & skin cancer removal, we can book you in for a 15 minute Short Consultation with Dr Mo. 

For all major surgical procedures, we recommend a 1 hour Long Consultation with Dr Mo to go through your surgical needs & review your health in detail.

 If you decide to proceed with surgery, you will need to attend a Pre-Op Consultation, which can be claimed back from Medicare

Pricing for consultations are: 

Long Consult (1 hr) –

$400 Follow-Up Consult (15 min) –

$130 Pre-Op Consult (15 min) –

Medicare Rebate Price ‍ A $100 deposit will need to be paid to confirm your booking. 

You may be eligible for a Medicare Rebate on your consultation fee with a referral letter from a GP. Pensioners may also be eligible for a reduced rate. Please bring your Pensioner card with you. ‍ 

Please ask our friendly team for more information when booking your consultation.

Do you offer virtual/remote consultations?

Yes, Dr Mohaghegh does provide virtual/remote consultations for patients who aren’t able to come into the clinic.

For patients who are able to visit the clinic, we highly recommend you to see Dr Mohaghegh in-person for the best possible assessment.

How do I book a consultation?

If you would like to book a consultation, please either:

• Complete the Booking Form on our website
• Send us an email to hello@drmohaghegh.com.au with your name & contact details for a call back
• Call our Double Bay Clinic on 1300 074 466 to speak to our friendly staff
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We look forward to meeting you & taking care of you throughout your journey with us.

How much does plastic surgery cost?

The costs of Plastic Surgery will vary from patient to patient, and based on the details of your surgical plan, which includes:
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• which procedures are to be performed
• the number of surgeries needed to complete the process, and
• the complexity of their needs.
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After your consultation with Dr Mo, we will provide you with a detailed surgical plan & quote of the surgeon’s fees, as well as estimated costs for hospital fees, anaesthetists fees, etc.

You may be eligible to claim a rebate from your Private Health Fund for hospital costs depending on your level of cover.
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You may be eligible for Medicare Rebates for some non-cosmetic procedures with an item number. Keep in mind, however, that Medicare only covers reconstructive surgeries that are deemed medically necessary. Procedures that are performed for solely cosmetic reasons are typically not covered by Medicare.

Please contact us if you require detailed information about pricing & your surgical needs.
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The cost of body contouring after major weight loss will vary for each patient depending on the reason for your body contouring, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage.

What is the after surgery care & recovery process like?

Once you have finished in theatre you will be looked after by a team of medical staff ensuring you are comfortable whilst you rest at the hospital.
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You will be fitted at the hospital with your surgical garment which you will wear during your recovery process.
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After undergoing your surgery you will have a post operative appointment the following day with Dr Mohaghegh either in clinic or at the hospital depending on the procedure performed.
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The post operative appointments are tailored to each patient’s needs and their Recovery Plan, however, Post-Op Follow Up checks are generally required at 1 week, 2 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the completion of your procedure. Post-Op Follow Up Checks are included as a part of our fees and no additional fees apply.
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At the Follow Up Checks, Dr Mo and his nurse will:
• Review your surgical site
• Review and change the dressing as needed
• Scar management

How much does it cost for skin lesion & skin cancer removal?

For minor surgeries, like skin lesions & skin cancer removal, we charge based on the time required to perform the procedure.

This fee also covers their follow up appointments for 6 weeks.
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Our out of pocket fees for minor procedures are:
‍Up to 15 min – $300
15-30 mins – $550
30-45 mins – $750
45-60 mins – $900

Generally, Alarplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, if the procedure is part of a larger functional rhinoplasty to correct severe breathing obstructions or trauma (where a Medicare item number applies), some associated hospital costs might be partially covered. Dr Mohaghegh’s team will provide a detailed financial quote during your consultation.

Yes, Alarplasty is frequently combined with a “Bullhorn” Lip Lift. Since both procedures involve incisions at the base of the nose, they can often be performed together to rejuvenate the lower face and improve tooth show. This combination is popular for patients seeking to balance the distance between the nose and the upper lip (philtrum).

Yes, Alarplasty is a very common component of “Ethnic Rhinoplasty.” Patients with Asian or African heritage often have wider alar bases or thicker skin. Dr Mohaghegh specializes in techniques that respect your ethnic identity while refining the nostril width to achieve better facial harmony, rather than creating a “westernized” nose.

While you can resume light walking immediately, you must avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and any activity that raises your blood pressure for at least 2–3 weeks. Elevated blood pressure can cause bleeding or increased swelling at the incision sites. Contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks.

You must keep the incision lines clean and free of makeup until the sutures are removed and the wounds have sealed—typically 7 to 10 days after surgery. Once Dr Mohaghegh clears you, mineral makeup can be used to conceal any residual redness as the scars mature.

We advise patients to maintain a “poker face” and avoid excessive smiling, laughing, or exaggerated facial expressions for the first 2 weeks. The muscles that control smiling pull directly on the nostrils. Excessive movement can put tension on the fresh sutures, potentially widening the scars or affecting the healing process.

If you are having only Alarplasty (and not a full Rhinoplasty that breaks the nasal bone), you can typically wear glasses immediately. The glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, which is not affected by alar base surgery. However, ensure the frames do not rest heavily on your cheeks in a way that pulls on the nostril skin.

You will see a difference in the width of your nostrils immediately, but the final shape will be obscured by swelling. The nose may look “puffier” or slightly higher than expected for the first few weeks. True refinement takes 1–3 months to emerge as the soft tissue swelling settles completely.

If your procedure is performed under Local Anaesthesia, you may be able to drive yourself home, though we generally recommend arranging a lift to be safe. If you undergo General Anaesthesia or “Twilight Sedation,” you are legally not permitted to drive for 24 hours and must have a responsible adult accompany you home.

Alarplasty focuses strictly on the width and shape of the nostrils (the base). Tip Plasty focuses on the tip of the nose (refining a bulbous tip, lifting a droopy tip, or rotating the projection). These are separate procedures but are often performed together if the patient wants to refine both the tip and the width of their nose.

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