What a Rhinoplasty Expert Says About Bulbous Noses & Alar Reduction Methods

Beauty standards are constantly changing with the times.

Similarly, the criteria for judging someone based on their first impression

are also bound to change.

Among these, a bulbous nose (bok-ko)

was once considered a sign of good fortune and wealth,

but now it is no longer seen as a blessed nose.

These days, rather than a bulbous nose with wide nostrils,

a neat and sophisticated nose shape

that creates a refined image is popular.

The nose, in particular, is located in the center of the face,

and for it to be considered a beautiful nose, it must form a golden ratio

that creates appropriate proportions with the eyes, mouth, and face shape.

Those who have always been self-conscious about their nose shape

and have experienced complexes

hope to change their nose shape to one that balances their face.

For such individuals, bulbous nose rhinoplasty, which includes alar reduction,

is gaining attention as a suitable solution.

A bulbous nose is characterized by wide and broad nostrils,

making the nose appear large even if the bridge is well-defined.

The complex caused by this is particularly

more pronounced in women than in men,

leading to an increasing number of people deciding to undergo surgery.

There are various methods to improve this.

Improvement is possible through surgical or non-surgical methods,

and by reshaping the nostrils, the flat contours of the face can be given

a three-dimensional effect, and by creating a triangular ratio,

a nose shape that harmonizes with the face can be achieved.

So, let's find out what criteria define a bulbous nose.

Since everyone has a different face shape,

the nose must have an appropriate width.

The most ideal case for nostril width is when

the width of the nostrils is equal to the distance between the eyebrows,

and smaller than the lips. This is considered the most ideal width.

For those who significantly deviate from this range,

bulbous nose rhinoplasty with alar reduction is needed.

These complexes commonly affect those who experience:

wide nostrils that make the nose appear broad,

a lack of three-dimensionality and a low-looking nose,

drooping nostrils that resemble an arrow nose,

or a high nose bridge but a spread-out nasal tip.

As a method to improve this,

wide nostrils can be reduced, and a blunt bulbous nose

can be improved to a beautiful nose shape.

However, even if one has a bulbous nose,

it is important to determine the cause of its development,

and based on that, use appropriate methods

to improve wide nostrils and a blunt nose shape.

There are broadly two main methods to improve a bulbous nose.

Non-surgical methods include

alar reduction injections, sculpted nose fillers, and Hiko thread lifts.

Surgical methods include

alar reduction surgery, non-open rhinoplasty, and open rhinoplasty.

First, for non-surgical methods to improve a bulbous nose,

a delicate procedure must be performed to design the widely spread nostrils

to match the facial proportions and correct them into a slender nose.

At this time, the nose and face must be corrected to achieve overall harmony.

Among these methods,

alar reduction injections involve injecting harmless substances into the body

to address the cause of wide nostrils.

Sculpted nose fillers use highly elastic products

to correct the nose from the bridge to the tip into the desired shape.

Hiko involves inserting dissolvable PDO threads into the nasal tip

to act as a support from inside the nose,

giving a three-dimensional effect to a blunt nasal tip,

thereby resolving wide nostrils and a bulbous nose.

Recently, if the desired results cannot be achieved with Hiko alone,

a combination of Hiko, nose fillers, and nose slimming injections

—known as Triple Hiko—can also improve a bulbous nose.

The prices for these procedures range from 150,000 to 400,000 Korean Won,

making them relatively affordable.

In cases where a bulbous nose is improved through surgical methods,

there is a method to reduce the widely spread nostrils to harmonize with the face

by reducing them to the ideal nose shape ratio.

Since the procedure is meticulously performed through inconspicuous areas,

the burden of scars can be reduced.

Specifically, bulbous nose rhinoplasty for alar reduction

is performed differently depending on the type.

If only the lower part of the nostrils is wide,

the method involves tying the inside of the nose together

to design the shape of the nostrils and width to match the face shape,

and then tying the two nostrils together with a thread to gather the nasal tip.

Alternatively, if the skin of the nostrils is thick,

the procedure is performed by reducing the skin tissue.

The lower parts of both nostrils are excised

to reduce their size, gather them, and then suture them.

At this time, since the incision line is at the border of the nostril,

the advantage is that the scar is not easily visible.

After reducing the nostrils in this way,

the procedure is completed by correcting the nose to an appropriate height

so that it looks most beautiful on the face.

The price for alar reduction surgery, which provides permanent effects,

is around 600,000 Korean Won.

If additional procedures like augmentation rhinoplasty are needed,

the cost can range from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 Korean Won,

with variations depending on the individual.

The reason why bulbous nose improvement methods

that reduce wide nostrils are attracting attention is primarily

that patients can improve wide nostrils through either non-surgical or surgical methods,

whichever they prefer.

Furthermore, not only the bulbous nose but also other areas that need improvement

can be addressed together through a 1:1 diagnosis,

allowing for the completion of an ideal nose shape.

It is important not to proceed solely based on the medical staff's recommendation,

but to have a thorough 1:1 consultation

to respect what kind of nose the patients desire

and to find medical staff who can perform

‘secret nose surgery’ for those who want subtle and natural results,

or ‘celebrity nose surgery’ for those who want a more noticeable and beautiful nose.

Above all, for non-surgical methods, it is crucial to find a clinic where a board-certified plastic surgeon directly performs the procedure. For surgical methods, it is important to find a place that performs bulbous nose rhinoplasty with alar reduction using autologous tissue rather than silicone, which has a higher incidence of side effects.

This can reduce wide nostrils without a foreign body sensation and also achieve the effect of raising a low nose bridge.

Therefore, if you have been experiencing complexes due to wide nostrils

and have been looking for a solution to improve them,

bulbous nose rhinoplasty could be the answer.

Since the nostrils, alar, nasal tip, and nose bridge can all be improved,

a blunt and low nose becomes slim and sharp,

allowing you to achieve a sophisticated image.

It is especially important to carefully research and choose a clinic

that can improve your nose shape to best suit your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bulbous nose?

A bulbous nose refers to a shape where the nostrils are wide and broad, making the nose appear large even if the bridge is well-defined. The ideal nostril width should be equal to the distance between the eyebrows and smaller than the lips.

What are the non-surgical methods for improving a bulbous nose?

Yes, non-surgical methods include alar reduction injections, sculpted nose fillers, and Hiko thread lifts. Recently, Triple Hiko, which combines Hiko with nose fillers and nose slimming injections, is also used to improve bulbous noses.

I'm worried about scars after alar reduction surgery.

During alar reduction surgery, the incision line is located at the border of the nostril, which has the advantage of making the scar not easily visible. Meticulous execution can reduce the burden of scars.

What is the cost of bulbous nose rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical methods like alar reduction injections, fillers, and Hiko range from 150,000 to 400,000 Korean Won. Surgical alar reduction surgery costs around 600,000 Korean Won, and if additional procedures like augmentation rhinoplasty are needed, it can range from 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 Korean Won, with individual variations.

What results can I expect after bulbous nose rhinoplasty?

Through bulbous nose rhinoplasty, wide nostrils are reduced, and a blunt nose becomes slim and sharp, allowing you to achieve a sophisticated image. You can expect an ideal nose shape that harmonizes with your entire face.

What should I consider most important when undergoing bulbous nose rhinoplasty?

Yes, it is crucial to carefully research and choose a clinic that can improve your nose shape to best suit your face. Specifically, you should check if a board-certified plastic surgeon directly performs the procedure and whether autologous tissue is used.