How Do I Minimize Nose Spreading when Smiling? Will This Change With TIme?

asked 8 months ago by beemar in CA
Latest answer by Steve Laverson, MD
Question viewed 377 times
Tags: nostrils, smile, spreading

I just had rhinoplasty 10 days ago to raise and define my tip, and narrow my nostrils. I love my nose already even though I know it's still swollen. However, when I smile, it still looks very wide because my nostrils move outward a lot when I smile. Is there anything that can be done to stop or minimize the widening of my nostrils when I smile? Also, how long would I have to wait before getting this done?

6 answers to How Do I Minimize Nose Spreading when Smiling? Will This Change With TIme?

Nose widens when smiling

OK, the crease under your eyes you asked about is from swelling after rhinoplasty, so obviously, no treatment until swelling completely resolves, in my opinion, at least two months. Regarding widening of the nasal base when you smile, alar base resection improves this. If it wasn't done as part of your rhinoplasty, may be done in the office afterward.

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

How Do I Minimize Nose Spreading when Smiling? Will This Change With TIme?

Sadly, No. The nostrils will not magically shrink inwards during the post Rhinoplasty healing phase and will continue to spread and widen when you smile. This is a normal anatomical function, even though a more pronounced one in your particular case.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

How Do I Minimize Nose Spreading when Smiling?

It is natural to be "nose fixated" after nose surgery. I would suggest you stop looking in the mirror for now until the healing is completed. In 8-12 months, should you still have what you consider excessive alar flaring, at that time a professional evaluation may be indicated to see if you could be improved with either carefully placed Botox in the muscle causing the flaring or have a Weir Excision to reduce the flaring (at the cost of short scars at the lower junction of the nose... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Wide nostrils

Be patient. This is going to change in a month and then again in 2 or 3 month. You don't have to try any tricks or procedures to speed it up. Enjoy the journey!

Michael L. Schwartz, MD
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

Widened Nose With Smiling

Glad to hear you are happy with your nose. The swelling will continue to improve. Did you have an alar base reduction done at the same time? That will help minimize the flaring of your nostrils you describe.