WOOA Plastic Surgery › Frequently asked questions
How long is the recovery after alar base reduction?
Alar reduction narrows nostrils (alae) that look wide or flared. The clinic website states that alar reduction can be considered when, from the front, the width of the nose is large relative to the width of the face and the length of the eyes, and it chooses the method according to whether the nostrils are large or the lower part of the nostrils is wide.
November 3, 2026 · Prices checked 2026-11-03 · Source: WOOA official website (clinic fee schedule 2026-06-15) · updated when the clinic website changes
Recovery timeline
- Operation time1 to 1.5 hours
- AnesthesiaSedation anesthesia
- Hospital stayNot required
- Stitch removal7 days after surgery
- AftercareAccording to the clinic, the assigned surgeon checks your progress and a dedicated coordinator provides 1:1 care.
- Individual variationHow quickly swelling and bruising settle, and when you can return to daily life, differ from person to person, so please confirm this against your own schedule during consultation.
How it is done
According to the clinic website, a 3D-CT scan taken prior to surgery is used to analyse the internal structure of the nose, the cartilage, the skin layers and any functional problems, and the findings are reflected in the surgical plan. When the nostrils are large, tissue is excised along the border between the ala and the cheek, the periosteum and ligaments under the nose are dissected, the size is adjusted and fixed twice with sutures, and the wound is closed with fine sutures. When the lower part of the nostrils is wide, a suture is passed through both alae and pulled to narrow the nose to the designed width, according to the clinic. An anesthesiologist monitors the patient during surgery; consultation, design and the operation are handled by the assigned surgeon, and aftercare consists of follow-up checks by that surgeon and 1:1 care by a dedicated coordinator, according to the clinic.
Price (as published by the clinic)
| Item | Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Alar reduction | KRW 900,000 ~ KRW 5,000,000 | VAT not included; varies with consultation and condition (fee schedule range) |
| Alar reduction | KRW 50,000 ~ KRW 100,000 | VAT not included; varies with consultation and condition (fee schedule range) |
Risks and side effects
- The clinic states that, depending on individual recovery, common side effects such as bleeding, inflammation and infection can occur after surgery.
- Swelling and bruising can occur, and asymmetry or a shape different from what was expected may require further correction.
- Results vary with individual factors such as skin thickness and cartilage condition.
- With the excision method, a scar can remain at the border between the ala and cheek, and the left and right alae or nostrils may look different.
- With the suture method, the width can partly widen again if the suture loosens.
Results and recovery vary by individual. Possible complications are explained during consultation.
Procedures
Frequently asked questions
Does alar reduction require an incision?
The clinic says it depends on the type. For large nostrils, tissue is excised along the ala–cheek border, followed by double fixation and fine sutures; when the lower part of the nostrils is wide, a suture is passed through both alae and pulled to narrow them.
Where is the scar?
With the excision method, the incision follows the border where the ala meets the cheek and is closed with fine sutures. How visible the scar is differs from person to person depending on skin condition and healing.
How long is the operation, and what about anesthesia and stitches?
Per the surgery information table on the clinic website, the operation takes 1 to 1.5 hours under sedation anesthesia, no hospital stay is required, and stitches are removed 7 days after surgery. Recovery speed differs between individuals, so please confirm your schedule during consultation.
Location and hours
| Address | HM Tower, 492 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|
| Getting here | About 2 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Sinnonhyeon Station (Line 9), about 6 minutes from Exit 3 of Nonhyeon Station (Sinbundang Line). Plastic surgery on floors 3–6 (dermatology on 10 and 12). Mechanical parking in the building (large sedans, electric vehicles and SUVs cannot be parked). |
| Hours | Plastic surgery hours: Mon–Thu 10:00–19:00, Fri 10:00–20:30 (evening clinic), Sat 10:00–17:00, public holidays 10:00–17:00, closed on Sundays. Dermatology hours differ. |
| Phone | 1600-5319 |
| Consultation | KakaoTalk |
| Consultation | Naver Place |
| Consultation | Google Maps |
| Consultation | Kakao Map |