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

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?

Doctor Answers 3

Nasal asymmetry and rhinoplasty

September 6th, 2014
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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.
Brian Harmych, MD


Cleveland Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

September 6th, 2014

Nasal asymmetry and rhinoplasty

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
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.
Brian Harmych, MD


Cleveland Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

Stretching nostrils

September 11th, 2014
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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

Web reference: http://drsajjadian.com

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS
September 11th, 2014

Stretching nostrils

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
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

Learn more: http://drsajjadian.com

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS

Nostrils can stretch

September 7th, 2014
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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.
Garrett H. Bennett, MD
September 7th, 2014

Nostrils can stretch

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
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.
Garrett H. Bennett, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.