Can I get Botox for my nose? It gets wide when I smile

Question

Is there something you can do that is non surgical for a nose that gets wide when smiling? It’s fine when I’m not smiling, but it’s gets really wide when I smile.

Monica Boen, MD · Answer

Botox can help reshape the nose, but it depends on your anatomy. For instance, if your nose widens because your nostrils flare when you smile, Botox can absolutely help with this concern. I encourage you to make an appointment with a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist that has extensive experience in nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Discuss your concerns and goals and work with your doctor to create a treatment plan that will meet your needs and expectations. I wish you all the best as you pursue your cosmetic goals.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You need an in-person consultation and evaluation to determine the cause of your issue and whether Botox or another treatment may help. In general, some expertly placed Botox can help lift a droopy tip and decrease nostril flare if present. Make sure you see an experienced physician provider. Best wishes.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jclear. I understand your concern. Botox is a purified protein used to address wrinkles associated with facial expression. When injected into the skin Botox will relax the muscles and smoothen out the overlying wrinkles. The most common areas of treatment are in the upper face. These include the horizontal lines seen on the upper forehead when one raises the brows, the vertical lines seen between the brows when one frowns (frown lines), and the crow's feet seen around the eyes when one smiles.
It is difficult to make an assessment without a formal exam in the office where I can view the skin in multiple angles and observe wrinkles formed with facial expression. However, I hope the information provided here is useful.Although Botox is most commonly used in the upper face, it can also be used in various areas in the lower face. The nasalis muscle on the bridge of the nose is responsible for the bunny lines that are sometimes seen there when one frowns or smiles. Usually 2-4 units of Botox are used per side for this area. A different portion of the nasalis muscle is used for flaring of the nostrils. Two units of Botox can be placed in this part of the muscle to decrease nasal flaring.With any injection, there are risks such as pain, bleeding, bruising, redness, swelling, tenderness, and infection. We take special precautions to minimize these risks such as using a painless technique. We also treat bruises with a laser as early as the next day. Bruises usually resolve within two weeks if untreated. After a laser treatment bruises usually resolve in 1-3 days, but may still take two weeks for full resolution. In addition to these risks, with Botox there is also a risk that the product spreads or diffuses to nearby structures. Spread to nearby muscles can lead to side effects such as the temporary appearance of droopy eyelids or a temporary asymmetric smile.
  
After a Botox treatment, I recommend that my patients avoid heat exposure, alcohol consumption, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours and not lie down flat for four hours. This is because all of these activities may possibly lead to the movement of the product and consequent side effects such as droopy eyelids. Although there have been no definitive studies shown that these actually occur and some physicians do not provide such aftercare instructions, in the absence of data I err on the side of caution and recommend that my patients avoid such activities.
  
Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Carmen A. Traywick, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be best that you see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to have an in person consultation to determine if Botox or another treatment would address your concerns.  Botox locks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which triggers the muscle contractions that create wrinkles. Botox essentially paralyze the muscles and stops them from contracting. Results from these treatments are visible within 3-7 days with results that can last anywhere from 3-4 months. Hope this helps.

Pedram Imani, MBBS(Hons), MS(Hons), FRACS(ORLHNS) · Answer

The facial muscles are complex in their action and when smiling the facial animator muscles pull on the nasal anatomy especially if you have a wide mouth smile. Botox can help but it will alter your smile at the same time which may not look pleasant. It’s best to see a facial plastic surgeon to assess in person.

Can I get Botox for my nose? It gets wide when I smile

Answers (6)

Answer: Botox for nose?

Answer: Botox for nose?

Answer: Widening nose and non surgical rhinoplasty

Answer: Widening nose and non surgical rhinoplasty

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Can I get Botox for my nose? It gets wide when I smile

Answers (6)

Answer: Botox for nose?

Answer: Botox for nose?

Answer: Widening nose and non surgical rhinoplasty

Answer: Widening nose and non surgical rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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