Fast facts

Rhinoplasty

What it is: A plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance, proportions and structural functionality of the nose.  Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, can enhance facial symmetry and harmony to improve the patient's self-confidence.  Breathing can also be improved as a result.

What it addresses: Specific aspects of the nose, such as:

- Nose size
- Nose width
- Asymmetry
- Nostrils

MORE INFORMATION

Question

Can rhinoplasty enlarge or widen a tiny nostril?

Can rhinoplasty enlarge or widen a tiny nostril? One of my nostril holes is medium and the other is so tiny you can barely see it.

Comments (0)Ask your question

Asked by: Jenpy
California, USA

Answers (2)

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful
1
July 15, 2008

Can rhinoplasty enlarge or widen a tiny nostril?

Fred Suess, MD
Fred Suess, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Fred Suess, MD

It is possible to enlarge and widen small nostrils. It is not a long operation but it is a delicate one.

It is possible to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with minimal sedation and a short recovery period.

1 of 1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
2
July 9, 2008
Manish H. Shah, MD
Manish H. Shah, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

As you can imagine, it is easier to reduce the size of a nostril than widen it. That being said, nostril enlargement can be performed but the process by which it happens can depend on the cause of the nostril reduction in size.

If it is related to scar from trauma or surgery, then scar release procedures and tissue grafting will often help. Sometimes a small nostril is really just an unsupported nostril that needs cartilage grafting to support it staying open. If tissue is missing and this is the reason that the nostril is small, then adding tissue back in the form of a composite graft or forehead flap may be necessary.

In the end your surgeon needs to take a good look at the anatomy of your nose to determine what is going on. This will allow them to better decide what procedure will help.

1 of 1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?

Write a comment

(required, shown publicly)
(required, kept private)
  • Allowed HTML tags: <p> <br> <em> <strong> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <img> <div>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • You may link to webpages through the weblinks registry

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA
Enter the numbers in the image below (no spaces)
Image CAPTCHA

Comments for unregistered users are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines

Check out more Q+A about Rhinoplasty

Have a question? Ask it

Permalink
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
  •     Cancel