---
title: "Alar Base Reduction"
url: https://drturner.com.au/procedures/nose/alarplasty-or-nostril-surgery/
date: 2024-06-17
modified: 2026-06-27
author: "Dr Scott J Turner"
description: "Alarplasty is nostril and alar base surgery. It is performed where the main concern is nostril width, alar flare, or nostril asymmetry, and where the change can be achieved by..."
word_count: 171
---

# Alar Base Reduction

Alarplasty is nostril and alar base surgery. It is performed where the main concern is nostril width, alar flare, or nostril asymmetry, and where the change can be achieved by modifying the tissue at the alar base (the outer lower part of the nostril where it meets the cheek and upper lip). Alarplasty is a different procedure from cosmetic rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty, and septoplasty, although it may be combined with rhinoplasty in selected cases where the whole-nose plan calls for both. It does not change the nasal bridge, dorsal hump, or internal airway by itself.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FRACS, 2013) and holds AHPRA registration MED0001654827. He performs alarplasty for patients consulting at his Bondi Junction (39 Grosvenor Street) and Manly (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade) clinics. A clinical assessment of the alar base, nostril shape, the rest of the nose, facial proportions, and scar risk is required before any surgical decision is made.