Facial · Alarplasty · Dubai
Are you considering alarplasty in Dubai to enhance your appearance and confidence? Finding the right board-certified specialist is the most critical step in your journey. This guide covers what you need to know about the procedure, recovery, and what to expect from a premier aesthetic clinic in Dubai.
This illustration is for educational purposes only, intended to explain the surgical technique. Individual results and anatomical requirements vary per patient.
What is
Alarplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the shape, width, and symmetry of the nostrils (the alar base). It addresses disproportionately wide nostrils, excessive flaring, asymmetry between the two sides, or structural irregularities that affect the overall balance of the nose. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with rhinoplasty when the overall nasal profile is also being addressed.
The procedure is indicated for patients whose alar base — the width of the nostrils at their base — is disproportionately wide relative to the rest of the nose or the inter-canthal distance (the distance between the inner corners of the eyes, which is the clinical reference for nasal base width). Specific indications include: nostrils that are excessively wide when viewed from the front; significant flaring when the nostrils visibly widen during normal breathing or expression; asymmetry where one nostril is clearly wider or more flared than the other; or irregularities in nostril contour following previous nasal surgery. In some cases, structural deformity of the alar base may contribute to nasal airflow restriction — this is assessed during consultation.
Alarplasty is performed under local anesthesia, with optional sedation for patients who prefer it. The incisions are placed discreetly — either inside the nasal passages (internal approach) or at the natural crease at the base of the nostril (external approach), where the resulting scar heals inconspicuously within the skin fold. A small wedge or strip of tissue is removed or repositioned to reduce the alar width and correct the contour. The incisions are closed with fine sutures. The procedure typically takes under one hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Alarplasty specifically targets the alar base — the width and shape of the nostrils — and does not alter the bridge, tip, dorsum, or internal nasal structures. Rhinoplasty is a broader procedure that addresses the overall nasal structure, including bridge height, tip projection and definition, dorsal hump, and internal deviation. When a patient is satisfied with their nose in general but concerned specifically about nostril width or flare, alarplasty alone may achieve the desired result without full rhinoplasty. When both the overall nose profile and the alar base require correction, the two procedures are performed together in a single operative session.
Following alarplasty, mild swelling and bruising around the base of the nose are expected for several days. Sutures are typically removed at five to seven days post-operatively. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the initial recovery phase. Cold compresses in the first 24 hours reduce swelling. Final nostril width and contour become fully apparent once swelling has subsided — usually within several weeks. Results are long-lasting; the longevity of outcomes depends on individual anatomy and tissue response.
The Patient Journey: What to Expect
From your first consultation to full recovery, here is what to expect at every stage.
A thorough physical assessment and treatment planning session to align your expectations with anatomical possibilities.
Customized instructions to ensure optimal health and safety before your procedure, based on your individual medical profile.
Performed under appropriate anesthesia in a state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on precision, safety, and natural-looking outcomes.
Dedicated post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Recovery timelines depend on individual anatomy and healing response.
EBOPRAS · MD PhD · 20 yrs
Every procedure on this page is performed by Dr. Bouraoui Kotti — EBOPRAS-certified plastic surgeon, MD PhD, with over 20 years of international experience. Review his credentials, training, and clinical philosophy before your consultation.
View Dr. Kotti's Surgeon ProfileAlarplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the width, corrects the flare, or improves the symmetry of the nostrils. It targets the alar base — the area where the nostrils meet the upper lip — through small, discreetly placed incisions hidden at the base of the nostril or inside the nasal passage. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with rhinoplasty.
Alarplasty exclusively addresses the width and shape of the alar base (nostrils). Rhinoplasty is a broader procedure that reshapes the entire nose — including the bridge, tip, dorsum, and internal structures. A patient who is satisfied with the overall profile of their nose but concerned only about nostril width may be a candidate for alarplasty alone. When both need correction, both procedures are performed together.
Yes. Alarplasty is frequently performed as a standalone procedure for patients who are satisfied with their overall nasal profile but wish to address excessive nostril width, flaring, or asymmetry specifically. It is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and does not require the recovery of full rhinoplasty.
Yes. Alarplasty is among the most common procedures performed on ethnic noses — particularly Arabic, South Asian, African-American, and Southeast Asian profiles, where a wider alar base is a common anatomical characteristic. The procedure is planned with careful attention to preserving ethnic identity and facial harmony. Reduction is calibrated to the individual's face rather than applied to a universal standard.
Mild swelling and bruising around the nostril base are expected for several days following the procedure. Sutures are removed at approximately five to seven days. Most patients are comfortable resuming normal daily activities within one week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during the initial recovery period. Final nostril contour becomes fully apparent once swelling resolves — typically within several weeks. A personalized post-operative protocol is provided at follow-up.
Incisions are placed either inside the nasal passage (no external scar) or at the natural crease at the base of the nostril, where the scar heals within the skin fold and typically becomes inconspicuous. Scar visibility depends on individual skin type, tone, and healing response. Incision placement is discussed during consultation based on the specific correction required.
In cases where structural deformity of the alar base contributes to nasal airway restriction, alarplasty may improve airflow. However, alarplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure targeting external nostril shape and width. Functional breathing issues related to a deviated septum or internal nasal valve collapse are addressed through septoplasty or septorhinoplasty, which is assessed separately during consultation.
Alarplasty produces durable structural change. The soft tissue and cartilage of the alar base are permanently reshaped, and the face does not re-widen the nostrils over time. Longevity of the result depends on individual tissue response and anatomy. Significant weight fluctuations may affect soft tissue distribution, but the structural correction itself is long-lasting.
The cost of alarplasty in Dubai depends on whether it is performed as a standalone procedure or combined with rhinoplasty, the complexity of the correction required, anesthesia, and facility standards. An in-person clinical assessment is required for a personalized estimate. Cost is discussed transparently during consultation.
Yes — alarplasty and rhinoplasty are frequently combined when the patient wishes to address both the overall nasal profile and the nostril width in a single operative session. Combining the procedures avoids a separate recovery and allows the surgeon to achieve overall nasal balance in one plan. Whether to combine or stage the procedures is discussed during the pre-operative consultation.
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Specialist Plastic Surgeon · EBOPRAS Certified · Dubai UAE
Dr. Bouraoui Kotti is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (EBOPRAS-certified) with over 20 years of clinical experience, providing aesthetic and reconstructive surgery based on international standards.
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