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Annapolis, Maryland

Alar Base Reduction

Introduction to Alar Base Reduction

For many patients, wide nostrils or flared nasal bases draw unwanted attention, making the nose appear disproportionate compared to other features. This is especially important to remember, given that the nose is one of the most defining and prominent features of the face. For this reason, we have Alar base reduction, a refined surgical technique that narrows the width of the nostrils for a more symmetrical, elegant, and natural look. At Anne Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery in Maryland, Dr. Brandon Wachal and Dr. Lee A. Kleiman brings specialized training in facial aesthetics to help patients in Annapolis and Severna Park achieve complete facial harmony.

A male doctor, Dr. Washal, wearing a gray suit jacket and white shirt, is seated at a wooden desk while consulting with a female patient. He is holding a tablet displaying before and after images of another patient's facial procedure, pointing to the images with a stylus. - Alar Base Rhinoplasty in Severna Park, MD

What is an Alar Base Reduction?

An alar base reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the width of the nostrils and refine the base of the nose. The technique involves carefully placed incisions in the natural creases where the nostrils meet the cheeks, allowing the surgeon to remove or reposition small amounts of tissue. This subtle adjustment reduces nasal flare, improves balance, and creates softer transitions between the nose and the rest of the face. Often performed as part of rhinoplasty, an alar base reduction can also be a standalone procedure for patients who are happy with the rest of their nose but want narrower nostrils.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Alar Base Reduction?

The best candidates in Maryland are men and women who are bothered by wide nostrils, excessive flare, or a nasal base that feels disproportionate to the rest of their face. Ideal candidates should be:

  • In good overall health without medical conditions that impair healing.
  • Non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery.
  • Realistic in their expectations about the outcome, understanding that refinement (not dramatic alteration) creates the most natural results.
  • At least in their late teens, once facial growth is complete.

Patients of diverse ethnic backgrounds often seek alar base reduction to maintain cultural identity while achieving a more balanced appearance, and our surgeons approach each case with respect and precision to ensure the results enhance your unique beauty.

What Are the Benefits of an Alar Base Reduction?

Patients choose alar base reduction for both aesthetic and personal reasons, and the benefits are often transformative:

  • Achieve improved facial balance by refining the proportions of your nose to complement your features better.
  • Natural-looking results with scars hidden in discreet creases, making them virtually invisible once healed.
  • Increased self-confidence from having a nose that feels more harmonious and less dominant.
  • Customizable outcomes tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals; subtle refinement or more dramatic narrowing. It can complement other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or chin augmentation, to achieve a more balanced overall facial profile.

What’s the First Step?

Your Alar Base Reduction Journey with Dr. Wachal

Schedule a private consultation at Anne Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery in Maryland. Dr. Wachal or Dr. Kleiman will examine your nasal structure, discuss your concerns, and listen to your goals, and high-resolution imaging may be used to simulate possible outcomes, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect. If you’re a good candidate, a surgical plan will be created just for you. This is also your chance to ask questions, review before-and-after photos, and learn about recovery so you feel fully confident.

A male doctor, Dr. Washal, wearing a gray suit jacket and white shirt, is seated at a wooden desk while consulting with a female patient. He is holding a tablet displaying before and after images of another patient's facial procedure, pointing to the images with a stylus.

What to Expect on the Day of Alar Base Reduction Surgery

Your surgery will be performed in one of our Maryland surgical facilities, where local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the procedure and your comfort level. Your surgeon will make discreet incisions in the natural folds around the nostrils, then carefully remove or reposition tissue to narrow the base of the nose. Once the desired contour is achieved, sutures are placed, and small dressings may be applied. The surgery takes less than an hour when performed alone, and patients return home the same day.

Dr. Lee in a black suit and white shirt consulting with a female patient. The patient is touching her cheek while the doctor looks toward the camera with a slight smile. A mirror and abstract artwork are visible in the background.

Alar Base Reduction Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Alar Base Reduction Care

Recovery from alar base reduction is generally smoother and quicker than more extensive nasal surgeries. Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness can be expected for the first week. Stitches are usually removed within 5–7 days, and most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school shortly afterward. While noticeable changes are visible once the initial swelling subsides, the final results become more refined over the course of several weeks to months as the tissues settle. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 2 weeks and protect their nose from accidental impact during the healing process.

How Much Does an Alar Base Reduction Cost in Maryland?

The cost of an Alar Base Reduction in Annapolis, Severna Park, and the rest of Maryland varies depending on the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s expertise, and whether the procedure is combined with other facial surgeries. On average, patients can expect the cost to fall around several thousand dollars, though exact pricing is provided after a consultation. At Anne Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery, we provide transparent cost estimates and can discuss financing options to help make your treatment more accessible.

Why Choose Us?

A full-length image of two male doctors standing side-by-side in a stylish office or waiting area. Dr. Lee, on the right, is wearing a black suit and white shirt with his arms crossed. The other doctor, Dr. Washal, is on the left, wearing a light gray suit and white shirt with his hands clasped in front of him.

When it comes to delicate procedures like alar base reduction, expertise matters. Dr. Brandon Wachal and Dr. Lee A. Kleiman are dual board-certified specialists in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, bringing years of advanced training to each case. Our team is recognized for combining technical expertise with a personalized approach to ensure that every patient achieves results that appear natural and enhance their unique features. With state-of-the-art facilities in Annapolis and Severna Park, Maryland, we provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment from consultation through recovery.

Alar Base Reduction FAQ’S

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Dr. Wachal is a blessing to patients seeking facial rejuvenation and natural beauty enhancements.

His state-of-the-art, in-house surgical suite is fully equipped—even for emergencies—helping reduce patient costs without compromising safety or results. The office is immaculately hygienic and designed for comfort and care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If wide nostrils or a broad nasal base are keeping you from feeling your best, an alar base reduction may be the subtle yet powerful change you’ve been looking for. Contact Anne Arundel Facial Plastic Surgery today in Maryland to schedule your consultation in Annapolis or Severna Park.

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