Options to Fix Nasal Flare when Smiling?

Question

I have this excessive nasal flare when smiling. In repose the nose (widths) looks ok. The width of my nose increases a lot when I am smiling and laughing.I feel very embarrassed when I look at my photos. Is there an option of cutting the muscle which is pulling the base when smiling? Or could that problem be treated with Botox? Please, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

If your nose is normal in repose then there is no issue.  It may be that your smile does cause an over excessive flare but for you this is normal, as it is for many others.
As I agree with others botox can help with this but not significantly.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected but seek the care of an experienced injector. In some cases this may cause a lowering of the upper lip. If you find this undesireable, then the good news is that the result is temporary.
On rare occasion, I have performed modified alar weir excisions with a permanent alar cinching suture to hold the nostrils in place when animating. I have performed the alar cinching suture alone but have not been impressed with the results.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Nasal flaring can increase the apparent width of the base of the nose especially during smiling. It can be significantly improved by removing small wedge like areas in the junction of the nose and the cheek caller Weir or Alar resections.
http://janjuafacialsurgery.com/photos/prhinoplasty3.htm
Regards

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

NO SURGERY!  The best option is botox which is reversible if you don't like it. Surgery can result in a permanent unnatural smile which can't be corrected.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The rhinoplasty is a static operation done for a static nose.  On repose the nose will still widen, although usually it lifts after the surgery.  Botox would be an alternative to try in this area.  You do not want to have the smile muscle cut, it could look like paralysis from a stroke and would be permanent.   Make sure that you do not need a Weir&rsquo;s alarplasty in attempt to address the alar flare on repose.

Options to Fix Nasal Flare when Smiling?

Answers (9)

Answer: This is normal in everyone.

Answer: This is normal in everyone.

Answer: Options to fix nasal flare upon smiling

Answer: Options to fix nasal flare upon smiling

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Options to Fix Nasal Flare when Smiling?

Answers (9)

Answer: This is normal in everyone.

Answer: This is normal in everyone.

Answer: Options to fix nasal flare upon smiling

Answer: Options to fix nasal flare upon smiling

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.