Can Botox control nostril flaring? (photos)

Question

I tend to flare my nostrils a lot. This is involuntary and out of my control. I am not even aware when I'm doing it & its making me conscious. It gets worse especially when I am angry or emotional. Can we control flaring through Botox? Would it affect my smile or other surrounding muscles. I do not wish to undergo a surgery. An advice is appreciated. Regards.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

The best way to determine what is best for you is to see a physician in person. You should see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options.Best,

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Nasal flaring resulting from the movement of the tiny muscles within the walls of the nostrils can be treated with microdroplets of Botox to diminish the overactivity of these muscles in order to reduce the flared nostrils. Caution: this should be performed only by a very experienced physician injector and not simply a novice injector trained to treat the eleven lines between the eyes.

Stephen P. Smith, Jr., MD · Answer

Dynamic flaring of the nostrils is caused by contraction of alar portion of the nasalis muscle.  Botox functions by relaxing muscles and preventing their contraction.  A skilled surgeon who understands the detailed anatomy of the nasal musculature may inject a small amount of Botox into the alar portion of the nasalis muscle to prevent excessive flaring of the nostrils.  Please keep in mind, that a Botox injection would only improve the dynamic action of nostril flaring.  It is important to keep in mind that relaxing this muscle can affect your ability to breathe through the nose.  I recommend that you see a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who commonly performs rhinoplasty and understands the intricate anatomy of the nose.  Best of luck!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

The use of Botox in
this area can definitely be helpful for your concerns. In order for this to be
successful, this needs to be done by someone very skilled in the use of Botox,
who understands the anatomy the best, and who has experience with Botox in this
area. Please consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon in
your area who are the experts in this field.

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

Not only will Botox help as the other physicians have described, but well-placed filler, usually at the superior alar grooves can improve nostril flaring.  Note: this is not the same place that the Botox is placed.  I recommend both Botox and filler done in the same day by an experience injector.

Mark Mandell-Brown, MD · Answer

Botox is possible but may affect other muscles of facial expression needed for acting.  A Weir excision is a 15 minute procedure under local anesthesia that can narrow widened nostrils.  The incision is hidden inside the nostril opening

Danny Soares, MD · Answer

It most certainly can! Alar flaring can be quite prominent in some individuals and is often due to excessive function/contraction of the nasalis muscle. This muscle is also required to maintain a patent nasal airway and excessive targeting with botox can result in increased nasal obstruction. Also, rarely, the botox can diffuse to surrounding muscles and impact your smile. Please be certain to see a provider with experience in advanced botox injection techniques. Best of luck!

Can Botox control nostril flaring? (photos)

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