Will Botox injected onto my nostrils prevent flaring of my nose? (Photo)

Question

My nose is wide and I was wondering if Botox on both sides of my nostrils will help reduce the widening effect?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes! Botox works by temporarily paralyzing specific muscles. For nasal flaring, Botox is injected into the nasalis muscle, which controls the movement of the nostrils. By relaxing this muscle, Botox can reduce the degree of nostril flaring.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein that has been widely used in cosmetic procedures to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by paralyzing underlying muscles. It is also used to alter the shape and appearance of certain facial features.

In terms of using Botox to reduce nose flare or wideness, it is theoretically possible. When injected into the nostril area, Botox can potentially weaken the muscles that cause the nostrils to flare, thus reducing the widening effect.

However, this is a very delicate procedure and should only be performed by an experienced medical professional. It's important to note that the results can vary greatly depending on the individual's anatomy, the skill of the injector, and the amount of Botox used.

Potential risks include asymmetry, changes in nasal breathing, and unintended effects on facial expressions. Also, the effects of Botox are temporary, usually lasting three to six months, so repeated treatments would be necessary to maintain the results.

Before making any decisions, it's crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They can assess your specific needs, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and advise on the best course of action.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox and Dysport work to relax muscles, and for the ala and nostrils the muscle creating flaring can be targeted. Treating the dilator naris muscle will minimize flaring of the nostrils, in terms of with a straight facial expression. The widening of the ala and nostrils that you show in the photo is actually a mechanical stretch from your smile pulling the side of the nostrils laterally/out to the side. This widening can not be reduced with Botox or Dysport, but can be reduced with alarplasty.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If the problem is one of widening with smiling, then a couple of microdroplets properly injected in the alae of the nose (the "wings") can be helpful for reducing this kind of motion-related flaring. I have done this many times for this kind of issue with gratifying results. However, if it is not motion related and you simply are looking for narrowing of the area, it would be unlikely to be be helpful. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Daphney Gracia Antony, MBBS, DipDerm, MScSurg(Ed) · Answer

Injecting Botox reduces nasal flaring while smiling, speaking, or any facial movements to an extent. But if widened ala is a perennial concern, alarplasty is what you should look into. A small section is removed from the nasal wing, narrowing down the alar base. Your nose looks super cute while smiling though!

Niro Sivathasan, MBBS, MRCS, DU (Plast), FAACS · Answer

BoNT ('Botox') injected to the sides of your nose shall reduce 'flaring' (so-called 'dynamic widening') of your nose; however, the baseline width and front-on appearance at rest (so-called 'static look') shall not change. Note that there are a few muscles in that area (alar nasalis, dilator naris, et c.), and you'll probably need 2-4 units of BOTOX/ Xeomin ( around 6-10 units of Dysport) per side.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello Straightforward:

Botox neuromodulators can be used to dampen the flaring of the nostrils that occurs when breathing in. The dilator naris muscle (or alae nasi muscle) is a part of the nasalis muscle. It has an anterior and a posterior part. It controls nostril width, including changes during breathing. My patients have found that with this treatment, even at rest the lower portion of the nose looks a bit more narrow. A small number of units is sufficient for the benefit.

I hope this is helpful!

All the best from New York City, 
Sheryl Clark MD, FAAD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Botox is helpful to minimize nasal flaring which can slim the appearance of the nose due to this muscle activity.  However if your concern is the width of the nose regardless of muscle activity Botox will not affect this.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

You are correct in your treatment approach. It's called Nose-tox, where properly placed neuromodulator like Botox or Dysport can prevent and eliminate nose flaring, making the nose appear thinner and lessening the shadow of the smile lines.

Will Botox injected onto my nostrils prevent flaring of my nose? (Photo)

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