Alarplasty Cost and Procedure Guide

Have you ever felt insecure about the size of your nostrils or disliked how they flare when you smile, talk or sing? If your nostrils seem disproportionate to other facial features, you may consider alarplasty rather than a complete nose job to correct the problem.

This guide will cover costs, techniques and the recovery timeline to help you decide if the procedure is right for you.

What Is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty, or nasal base reduction, is a surgical technique that subtly reshapes your nostrils with minimal downtime compared to the cost of traditional rhinoplasty (nose job). ¹

Named for the wing-like, curved portions that form the outer edges of your nostrils — the alar nasi — alarplasty specifically targets the size, shape and flare of the nostrils. The procedure can narrow wide nostrils, reduce nostril flare and create better facial harmony.²

Candidates

Candidates for alarplasty typically have:¹

• Asymmetrical nostrils
• Flaring or wide nostrils that feel disproportionate to other facial features
• Good overall health and realistic expectations
• Fully developed facial structure (usually after age 16)³

The procedure can be performed alone or as part of a full rhinoplasty.¹

Alarplasty vs. full rhinoplasty

Unlike rhinoplasty, alarplasty doesn’t affect your nasal bridge, tip or internal structures. During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make tiny, carefully placed incisions to remove small wedges of tissue. This surgical technique leaves minimal scarring and achieves a more refined nostril while preserving the natural shape and character of your nose.¹

Key differences between the two procedures include:¹

How Much Does Alarplasty Cost?

The national average cost* for standalone alarplasty is $2,947 but ranges from $2,335 to $5,364. Your specific cost depends on your surgeon’s expertise, your geographic location and the complexity of your case.⁷

Your surgical fee typically covers the surgeon’s expertise, operating room time, anesthesia and basic follow-up care.⁸ Since alarplasty is often performed under sedation, you could save on anesthesia.¹

Calculate the cost of an alarplasty procedure near you*

Average cost of alarplasty by state/district

Here’s the average cost* of standalone alarplasty for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:⁷

Does Health Insurance Cover Alarplasty?

Health insurance coverage for alarplasty is extremely limited since it’s almost always considered a cosmetic surgery. Unlike rhinoplasty, which can sometimes qualify for coverage due to breathing issues, alarplasty solely addresses appearance. Insurance companies view nostril reduction as elective surgery with no functional benefit.⁹

One potential exception is if are having alarplasty to correct or address breathing and functional issues, then a portion of the procedure may be covered.³

Most patients will pay out-of-pocket for nostril reduction surgery. The lower cost compared to full rhinoplasty could make this more manageable, and financing options, like the CareCredit credit card, offers a way to spread payments over time.**

How Alarplasty Works

Understanding the alarplasty process can help you prepare for the procedure and recovery.

Preparation

Preparing for alarplasty is similar to preparation for traditional rhinoplasty. You’ll start with a comprehensive consultation where your surgeon examines your nostrils from multiple angles. ¹⁰

Your surgeon will take measurements and may use imaging software to show potential results. Be specific about your goals. Do you want to reduce overall nostril size, minimize flare when smiling or correct asymmetry? Clear communication ensures your surgeon understands your vision. They’ll also assess your skin thickness and healing tendencies, which affect technique selection.¹⁰

You’ll get pre-op instructions from your cosmetic surgeon, but here’s what you may be asked to do:¹¹

• Stop taking any blood-thinning medications (prescription and OTC meds like aspirin or ibuprofen).
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least the first night.
• Avoid smoking to ensure optimal healing.
• Have lab tests.

Procedure

Alar base reduction is a focused surgical procedure used to refine the shape and size of the nostrils.¹

Your surgeon removes a small wedge of tissue from the outer portion of each nostril where it meets your cheek. This reduces nostril width and flare. The incisions hide in the natural crease, making scars virtually invisible once healed.¹

Recovery

Alarplasty recovery is remarkably swift compared to full rhinoplasty, at around five to seven days.¹²

Here's what you might expect:¹

Days 1 to 7:

• Swelling, redness, and mild discomfort around the nostrils, which should only last for a few days initially.
• Stitches are typically removed after about a week.
• Most people feel comfortable going back to work and their normal routine within a week.

Months 1 to 3:

• The results of this treatment tend to be fast.
• However, scar maturation and final results take one to three months.

Managing your recovery

While recovering, it is recommended to avoid blowing your nose and if you sneeze, open your mouth to divert airflow from the nose. It's important to avoid strenuous activity for two to three weeks after the procedure. Patients can expect minor bruising and swelling, which should resolve within a few days after surgery. A cold pack applied to the treatment area can help reduce swelling. To aid in recovery, avoid sleeping with your face against the pillow.¹³

Sutures are removed in seven to 14 days. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the surgery and return to work within one week.¹³

Reduce Nostril Flare Without Major Surgery

Alarplasty offers a less invasive solution when you’re seeking nostril refinement without a traditional rhinoplasty. This precise procedure delivers permanent results with quick healing, which allows you to enhance your appearance, returning to a normal routine after about a week of recovery. Whether you’re addressing nostril flare width or asymmetry, alarplasty can help you achieve a slimmer look while maintaining your natural beauty.

Financing an Alarplasty With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for alarplasty and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.