How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose? (photo)

Question

I spoke with a surgeon today who suggested that surgery wasn't necessary and that if I really wanted botox could be an option to reduce the size/flaring of my nostrils. I feel however after researching rhinoplasty, that alar-plasty could be helpful. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, Botox is used to treat the following cosmetic issues:

	1) Crow's feet
	2) Glabella (the "11" between the brows)
	3) Forehead wrinkles
	4) Smoker's lines

	 

	Botox will not help reduce the size of the nostrils.  This can be achieved with an alar base reduction.  I would recommend seeking the advice of a qualified surgeon who has experience performing alar base reduction surgery. Thank you and I hope this helps.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There have been off-label uses to change the shape of the nose in some individuals with Botox. As an example, some people when smiling have a downturn of the tip of the nose and a couple of units of Botox, off-label, in the columella (strut) of the nose can soften this downturn.  Injecting the outer nostril muscles can minimize the flare that you may get with smiling but it can negatively affect your smile and you may be unhappy with the appearance for three to four months while awaiting for the result to go away. Surgical reduction of the nostrils, if creating the appearance you desire, with minimal evidence of scarring could provide you a permanent good result unlike botox that would have to be repeated frequently and the effects not consistent.

Christopher R. Hove, MD · Answer

While Botox (or Dysport) is useful in weakening or paralyzing muscles, it is not often recommended for nasal injections.  True, many muscles act on the sidewalls, ala, and base of the nose, but immediately surrounding muscles also influence the smile, so weakening those may also affect your smile.  The good part is, the results are temporary.  The bad part is, the results are temporary.  So if you like the Botox results, repeat injections are necessary.  I cannot recommend any nasal base/alar surgery without seeing the remainder of the face, particularly the inner corners of the eyes (aka medial canthus).  The alar margins ideally should be aligned with a vertical line dropped from the inner corners of the eyes.  If they extend beyond that landmark, Weir incisions will likely give you the best long term results.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is critical that you understand that essentially only two specialties provide reliable rhinoplasty:  Plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons.  Facial plastic surgeon receive the most systemic training in rhinoplasty techniques.  Plastic surgeons who have completed an aesthetic fellowship may also have extensive training in rhinoplasty.  fellowship training is not the only way to learn this procedure.  Many very solid rhinoplasty surgeons developed and refined there skills while in practice.  Just be aware being a board certified plastic surgeon or a fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon does not guarantee that one can perform your rhinoplasty to your liking.  It was once the case (and it is still true today) that in larger markets, there would be the guy in that market that dominated rhinoplasty in that town.  Often what you got was the same basic rhinoplasty for everyone.  Now the best rhinoplasty surgeons offer very individual and customized surgeries that much more closely approach what is requested by the patient.  For this reason, it is essential that you carefully do your homework in finding a rhinoplasty surgeon who is right for you.  BOTOX will have minimal effects.  Alar reduction can cause visible scaring and should only be undertake after careful consideration of your overall concerns.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Posted photo only shows ONE view. But are you sure you where with a boarded surgeon? Because I believe ONLY an alar - plasty could help.

How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Can Botox be used to change the nose?

Answer: Can Botox be used to change the nose?

Answer: Off-label uses of Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Off-label uses of Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Botox to change the shape of the nose

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Answer: Let me also echo the concerns of other surgeons here.

Answer: Let me also echo the concerns of other surgeons here.

Answer: How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose?

Answer: How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose?

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How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Can Botox be used to change the nose?

Answer: Can Botox be used to change the nose?

Answer: Off-label uses of Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Off-label uses of Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Botox to change the shape of the nose

Answer: Botox to change the shape of the nose

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Answer: Let me also echo the concerns of other surgeons here.

Answer: Let me also echo the concerns of other surgeons here.

Answer: How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose?

Answer: How Effective is Botox for Changing the Shape and Size of a Nose?

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