Is Nostril Reduction Painful?

Nostril reduction is performed under local or general anesthesia (combined with rhinoplasty). This means you will not feel discomfort or pain during your appointment. Afterward, you may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at the incision points. These side effects are normal, and Dr. Shastri can provide pain medications to help ease any lingering soreness.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your surgery, you may need to return several times to Dr. Shastri’s Chicago office so that he can remove your sutures and check on your incisions to make sure you are healing properly.

How Long Until I See Results?

Changes in your nostril size will be evident right away. However, your incisions may remain red and swollen for a few weeks, after which you will be able to witness your transformation better.

Can I Combine Nostril Reduction With Other Procedures?

Yes. Dr. Shastri commonly pairs nostril reduction with traditional rhinoplasty to completely reshape and refine the nose according to your wishes. He can also perform other aesthetic treatments to help you look and feel your best.

What Are the Risks Associated With Nostril Reduction?

As with all cosmetic procedures, alar base reduction comes with certain risks that you should be aware of, including the following: Swelling Bruising Bleeding Infection Asymmetry Poor scarring

Chicago, IL

Nostril Reduction

Introduction

Introduction to Nostril Reduction

Many patients feel self-conscious about overly wide or flared nostrils. The nose may be well-shaped and balanced among the other features, but if the nostrils are oversized, they can draw attention away from an otherwise attractive appearance. In Chicago, IL, Dr. Karthik Shastri and Dr. Kurren Gill perform nostril reduction surgery, also known as alar base reduction, to provide patients with enhanced confidence and peace of mind.

What is Nostril Reduction?

The edges of the nostrils are made of fatty, fibrous tissue, and their shape and size will depend on the quality of this soft tissue. The nostrils can be reshaped and resized as part of a rhinoplasty procedure so that they complement the rest of the nose and the overall facial shape. our board-certified surgeons in Chicago use advanced imaging technology to ensure that you receive the elegant, balanced results you seek. Nostril reduction surgery can result in the following:

Enhanced nasal symmetry and balance
A reduction in the nasal openings, minimizing nostril flare
A more refined nostril appearance
Enhanced self-confidence

Close-up of a person's face with a green marker near the nose. The person wears a light-blue surgical gown. A medical professional's hands are holding the tool, with fingers positioned near the nose, possibly making or adjusting markings. Focused lighting highlights the face and hands, suggesting a surgical or procedure-related context. - Nostril Reduction in Glenview, IL

What Are the Benefits of Nostril Reduction?

For patients in Chicago, IL, who are unhappy with the size, shape, or projection of their nostrils, alar base reduction comes with a wealth of key benefits, including the following:

Natural-looking, seamless results
Minimal scarring
A nose that appears more sculpted and harmonized among the features
Nostrils that are proportionate to the rest of the nose and the face
Correction of nostril flare can be performed in tandem with cosmetic rhinoplasty
Helps patients to take more pride in their appearance

Who Are the Best Candidates For Nostril Reduction?

Alar base reduction is usually performed as part of a traditional rhinoplasty procedure. However, it can also be a standalone surgery if the patient has no other concerns about their nose other than their nostrils. You may be a suitable candidate for nostril reduction if you fit the following criteria:

You are physically and mentally healthy
You are free from any uncontrolled medical concerns
Are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after your procedure
If you had any previous nose surgeries, you have completely healed
You have realistic expectations for your results
You are willing to follow our board-certified surgeons’ instructions to the letter

Our board-certified surgeons will conduct a thorough consultation to assess your nose shape, overall health, and goals, ensuring that alar base reduction will be a safe process for you that leads to a sense of satisfaction in how you look.

Consultation and Assessment

What’s the first step?

To get started, you will meet with our board-certified surgeons and their knowledgeable team for a private consultation in Chicago. This initial meeting is a good chance to get to know the doctor and better understand his approach to your procedure. He will answer all your questions in detail, perform a physical assessment, and delve into your medical and surgical history to ensure no contraindications are present. Once your candidacy is confirmed and your surgery date has been scheduled, Dr. Shastri will ask you to follow certain guidelines for several weeks prior to your procedure in order to decrease your risk of bleeding and prolonged swelling:

Stop taking blood-thinning medications (Aspirin/Advil/Ibuprofen)
Avoid drinking alcohol
Stop vaping and smoking

What to Expect on the Day of Nostril Reduction Surgery

Nostril reduction in Chicago is performed under anesthesia at our state-of-the-art facility and takes around one hour to complete. The treatment time may be extended if alar base reduction is performed in tandem with rhinoplasty. To begin, Dr. Shastri will create a fine incision in the creases where the nostrils meet the cheeks. A small wedge of tissue in the nostril wall is extracted, and then the incision is closed. The incision shape can vary depending on the patient’s goals and specific anatomy and can be created as a triangle, diamond, or rectangle. Scars will be well-hidden in the nasal creases.

Nostril Reduction Recovery

Recovery time after alar base reduction can vary depending on the patient’s individual healing abilities and the extent of the work performed. Small sutures are typically removed within 5-7 days after the procedure. Mild swelling and redness around the incisions may persist for several weeks, but the small incision lines in the creases between the nostrils and cheeks will slowly fade, becoming inconspicuous. Patients can usually resume normal activities within the first week after surgery and return to their fitness routines within 2-3 weeks.

How Much Does a Nostril Reduction Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of nostril reduction in Chicago can vary according to each patient’s unique treatment plan and whether they undergo cosmetic rhinoplasty at the same time. Our board-certified surgeons understand your need for financial clarity and will provide you with a detailed quote for services upon completing your physical assessment and consultation.

Why Choose SG Facial Plastic Surgery?

Choosing SG Facial Plastic Surgery means placing your care in the hands of two fellowship-trained, board-certified facial plastic surgeons whose combined expertise is rarely found under one roof. Dr. Karthik Shastri, recognized as an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia for ranking among the top 5% of students, completed his facial plastic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and has been honored with multiple awards for his research during residency. Dr. Kurren Gill graduated at the top of his medical school class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society before completing his fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital — ranked the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and No. 9 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. Together, they bring advanced techniques in rhinoplasty, deep-plane facelift, eyelid surgery, facial reanimation, and reconstructive surgery to every patient, backed by a shared commitment to safety, innovation, and natural, long-lasting results — and the added confidence of two expert perspectives guiding every case.

Our in-office surgical suite is fully equipped to handle every procedure we perform, eliminating the need for patients to travel to a separate surgery center or hospital — reflecting our commitment to convenience without ever compromising on the standard of care.

Nostril Reduction FAQ’S

Nostril reduction is performed under local or general anesthesia (combined with rhinoplasty). This means you will not feel discomfort or pain during your appointment. Afterward, you may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at the incision points. These side effects are normal, and Dr. Shastri can provide pain medications to help ease any lingering soreness.
As with all cosmetic procedures, alar base reduction comes with certain risks that you should be aware of, including the following:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Asymmetry
- Poor scarring

5.0 – 3 Reviews

Mohs Procedure

I had a very minor Mohs procedure about a year ago. It has healed incredibly well and the scar is barely visible (people do not notice it unless I point it out to them). The receptionist at the hospital told me that Dr. Shastri was “phenomenal” and that I was in great hands before my procedure. This was true. As someone else described in a previous review, Dr. Shastri exudes a calm confidence and is gentle. He did an excellent job stitching up my wound and monitoring the scar throughout the healing process. I appreciate his attentiveness; his skillful suturing is like a work of art. I am grateful that I was referred to him by my dermatologist. He is a phenomenal plastic surgeon — both in his work and bedside manner

View Results
Mohs Surgery

Dr. Shastri was very competent at my facial Mohs surgery and thats saying alot, it was major.. His skill is obvious, as more than 15 tiny stitches were virtually painless and will be hard to spot. He was punctual. Clear regarding the procedure. Super bedside manor. Highly recommend him and his staff.

View Results
Skin Cancer

Wonderful! He patiently explained the different types of skins cancers, identified the one I had, then described how he would treat it. He answered all my questions, even the dumb ones. He just exuded a calm competence. For the skin graft, I felt like I’d had the benefit of an artist ad well as a doctor. Mary, the nurse, contributed greatly to making the entire experience positive. The online system for getting an appointment, confirming it and messaging the medical team is complicated, Byzantine, and frustrating, particularly for old guys like me. However it is definitely worth struggling through it. If I could add more stars I would.

View Results

Meet the Doctor

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about alar base reduction in Chicago, IL, contact our board-certified surgeons and their friendly team today to schedule your private, informative consultation. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and help create your personalized treatment plan for a more attractive, balanced nasal appearance.