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Can Blowing Your Nose Constantly, Touching and Pushing It Stretch Your Nostrils?

asked 6 months ago by alex0000 in Paris
Latest answer by Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Question viewed 415 times
Tags: breathing problems, damage, results, touching

I had a tough cold lately and I was constantly blowing my nose and touching-pushing it just to make sure it was clear.I was also cleaning the inside of my nose with cotton sticks because it would always get stuffy and I couldnt breath well. Could these constant actions stretch a bit my nose?Because when I look myself in the mirror now, I think that my nose its just a little bit biger than before. Please help me,i cant help myself.

6 answers to Can Blowing Your Nose Constantly, Touching and Pushing It Stretch Your Nostrils?

+1

Stretching Your Nostrils by Touching & Blowing Your Nose

Touching & blowing your nose during a cold will have no effect on the long term size or appearance of your nostrils. Some African tribes put objects in their lips and ears to dilate those structures but it takes many years of constant pressure to achieve that enlargement. You have nothing to worry about.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+1

Blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils.

Manipulating your nose to manage the symptoms of a cold will not change the size of your nostrils. You can change the shape by placing long term continuous force, but you have to be a member of a tribe to do that.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

My favorite joke for children

This reminds me of my favorite joke for children. Q: Why do gorillas have big nostrils? A: They have big fingers. Although it is not possible to stretch your nostrils or the skin of your nose after just a few days with a bad cold etc. it is possible to stretch skin over longer periods of time. This is exactly what people do when they gage their ears etc.
Richard H. Fryer, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Nostrils don't permanently increase in size from blowing or touching nose

Your prodding and poking inside your nose and blowing your nose will not stretch your nostrils. What you may seeing is some inflammation/swelling related to your cold.
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Stretching the nose

It is highly unlikely that constantly touching or rubbing your nose can cause it to stretch. Be careful placing sticks in your nose, because if you are not careful it can cause bleeding or septal injuries.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Can you stretch your nose?

It would be very unusual to be able to stretch your nose in just a few days with a bad cold, even with aggressive nasal blowing. It might be a bit swollen from the local trauma though. If so, it should go back to normal. It sounds like you should see a local doc to get treated for the cold or at least try some over the counter remedies. Consider something with a decongestant and take it according to the directions.
Michael Bowman, MD

Montgomery Facial Plastic Surgeon

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