Is there a way to make nostrils straight instead of circular?

Question

I've noticed that my nostrils are circular and wide. I am a black male and would like to make my nose look more European like and less wide and undefined. I would rather have a longer defined nose with straight nostrils instead of a wide nose with circular nostrils. Is this possible to achieve on a ethnic nose?

Brock Ridenour, MD · Answer

Yes there are a number of techniques that can be used to achieve your goals. Specifically, you need a alar-plasty technique that will reduce both the internal nostril circumference and the outer curvature of the nostril simultaneously. This will result in a less circular nostril and a narrowing of the apparent nostril width. My best

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

Wide circular nostrils can be narrowed and refined either as part of a rhinoplasty procedure, or as a separate procedure. Most of the time with an ethnic rhinoplasty, I am trying to create a more refined tip. Depending on the patient's goals and the physical limitation of the patient's cartilage and skin, once the size of the tip is set, I look at the amount of narrowing of the nostrils required to create a natural balanced nasal tip.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Yes these changes can be made.  There is no one nose or set of features that typifies a certain ethnicity.   There is a great deal of diversity in individual noses.  Find a surgeon who demonstrates vast experience in transforming many types of noses.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Theodore Nyame, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking this very important question on one of my favorite topics. The ethic nose varies from the Caucasian nose in many ways. The dorsum often has a wide and bony base. The tip lacks projection and the nostrils flare. All of these can be addressed with a number of maneuvers. Specifically for the nostrils you asked about an alarplasty or can be used to reduce the flare. However it is extremely important to address all aspects of the nose. You should consider operative intervention with someone who has extensive experience in this area. Theodore T. Nyame MDCharlotte NC

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your nose can be elongated with various cartilage graft techniques. Your nostril shape can be changed but it is difficult to create straight nostrils without leaving you with a somewhat unnatural appearance. Seek a consultation with a BCPS with experience in African American and ethnic rhinoplasty. Good luck

Is there a way to make nostrils straight instead of circular?

Answers (5)