Nostril Reduction in Seoul: Narrowing a Wide Nose Base
The short answer
Nostril reduction makes large nostril openings smaller or narrows flaring nostril wings by removing small wedges of skin at the nostril floor or at the base of the wing. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 1.5–3 million, takes 30–60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation, and the stitches come out at 5–7 days. Scars sit in natural creases and usually fade over 6–12 months.
Key facts
- What it treats: Large nostril openings, flared wings or a wide nose base
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 1.5–3 million
- Procedure time: About 30–60 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local, often with sedation
- Stitches out: About 5–7 days
- Scar location: Nostril sill and/or the crease where the wing meets the cheek
- Final scar maturity: About 6–12 months
Smaller openings, narrower wings
The lower part of your nose is shaped by two things: the size of the nostril openings and the alar wings, the curved soft-tissue sides of each nostril. The wings are made of firm fibrous and fatty tissue with a small muscle, and they meet the cheek at the alar crease. When the openings are large or the wings flare outward, the base of your nose can look wider than the rest of your face, especially when you smile.
Nostril reduction tackles the specific cause. If the openings are large, the surgeon removes a small wedge from the nostril sill, the floor at the entrance of the nostril. If the wings flare, the wedge comes from the outer base of the wing where it meets the cheek. Many patients need a little of both, and the surgeon plans the amount in millimeters for each side because few noses are perfectly symmetrical.
Most often chosen for and combined with
- Nostrils that look large from the front or below
- Wings that flare out when you smile
- Uneven nostrils, one larger than the other
- A nose that looks wide after a tip or bridge change
It is commonly added to rhinoplasty or tip plasty, because lifting or projecting the tip can change how wide the base looks.
The procedure, step by step
Measure and mark
With you sitting upright, the surgeon measures the width of the base, the openings and the flare, and marks the wedges on each side. Conservative planning is important: too much removal can leave a pinched or notched look that is hard to reverse.
Where the incisions are made
Sill incisions run just inside the nostril entrance. Wing incisions follow the alar crease. The edges are closed with fine stitches so the scar falls in a natural shadow line.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–3: Mild swelling and tenderness; clean the stitch lines as instructed
- Days 5–7: Stitches removed; makeup can usually go on after that
- Weeks 2–6: Scars look pink; use silicone gel or tape if your surgeon recommends it
- Months 6–12: Scars fade and soften
Nostril reduction alone usually needs only about a week in Seoul.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Like your bridge and tip but feel the base is too wide
- Have clearly flared wings or large openings
- Can look after small facial scars for a few months
Another option may suit you better if
- Your nose looks wide mainly because of a broad bony bridge (osteotomies treat that)
- The width comes from a bulbous tip, which tip plasty addresses
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about visible or notched scars, asymmetry between sides, a nostril that looks too small or narrows airflow, and darker scar pigment, which is more likely in some skin types. Ask to see how the surgeon places the sill incision and how they manage scar care afterward.
Nostril reduction cost in Seoul
On its own, nostril reduction in Gangnam typically costs about KRW 1.5–3 million. When added to a larger rhinoplasty, it is often priced as an add-on. Confirm whether follow-up visits and scar products are included.
Nostril reduction vs. alar reduction
| Nostril (sill) reduction | Alar (wing) reduction | |
|---|---|---|
| Main target | Large openings | Flaring wings |
| Incision | Nostril floor | Wing–cheek crease |
| Visible scar | Minimal, inside entrance | Fine line in crease |
In practice the terms overlap and many patients get a combined technique. Read our page on alar reduction for the wing-focused method.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Will people notice the scars?
The scars sit in the nostril sill or the wing crease and usually become hard to spot after several months, though they may be pink at first.
Does nostril reduction affect breathing?
Planned conservatively it should not. Over-reduction can narrow the entrance, so ask how much tissue will be removed.
Can it be done under local anesthesia?
Yes. Most patients have local anesthesia, often with light sedation, and go home the same day.
How long do I need to stay in Seoul?
About a week is usually enough, so the stitches can be removed and checked.
Can nostril reduction be reversed?
Not easily. Removed tissue cannot be put back, which is why careful, conservative planning matters.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.