Can picking your nose make nostrils bigger? If not, why is one of my nostrils much bigger than the other?

Question

The old left side of my nose is bigger because my nostril is bigger on the left side? I searched realself and got mixed answers..? What should I do? Is there a simple solution to this?

Dinko Toncic, MD · Answer

Nostril asymmetries can either be a congenital condition or it can be caused by a septum deviation, but I believe that picking your nose isn't something that can affect the width of your nostrils. If there is no constant exessive and forcible pulling and streching of the nostrils, the nostrils should remain unaffected. Your problem CAN be resolved surgically, so I would definitely suggest you consulta a specialised surgeon!

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Picking your nose will not make a permanent change in your nose. The assymmetry of the nostrils is caused by the inner structure of the nose. You can see a rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss your options if you would like to have it corrected. You can benefit from a rhinoplasty more than you expect as the assymmetry of the nostrils can be caused by a deviated septum which affect breathing.
Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

I have not seen an instance where picking your nose makes a nostril permanently bigger. Minor asymmetries in the nostril are actually quite common. To improve them, it all starts with a consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Sometimes the cause is just the nostrils, but sometimes it has to do with the cartilage internally so a good exam is required.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Causes of nostril asymmetry could range from congenital tip abnormalities to a deviated nasal septum. Consider consulting with several Rhinoplasty specialists so you could see what might be best for you. Hope this helps. Dr. Joseph

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, picking your nose can increase the size of the nostrils if there is excessive stretching and pulling. If one nostril is larger than the other, as you mentioned, this could be solved relatively easily. However, no definite answers can be given without seeing you in person. I recommend you see a doctor is this continues to bother you.Hope this helps!Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

In my expert opinion, I do not believe that picking your nose would cause one nostril to become larger than the other. In any event, nostril asymmetry is a relatively common problem in patients seeking consultation for rhinoplasty. Depending on the severity and anatomical reason for this asymmetry surgery may be an option to correct this. Without pictures it is impossible to give you any further information.  I would recommend you consult with a board – certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon to discuss this further.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

There is no evidence to suggest that nose picking can affect nostril size, as it's only a temporary opening of the nose, and not something that molds it over time. There are some surgical techniques that we can use to narrow the nostril or decrease alar flaring, and you would need to consult a plastic surgeon for further discussion and evaluation. Good luck!
-David Mattos, Harvard trained plastic surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Picking your nose will not make your nostrils bigger. There are many issues that can make one nostril bigger than the other such as congenital asymmetry, and a deviation of the caudal septum. For more information and many before-and-after  rhinoplasty examples, please see the link and the video below

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

Repetitive stretching of the nostrils can enlarge the nostrils. Nostrils need to be large enough so the fingers will fit. That being said, if one nostril is much larger than the other, you may have the nostrils attached in a different place on both sides or the midline of the nose may be shifted. You can have the nostril size reduced by alar base reduction that should give more symmetry. A photo would help.

Can picking your nose make nostrils bigger? If not, why is one of my nostrils much bigger than the other?

Answers (9)

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