My upturned nose and nostrils. Is it possible to make my nostrils smaller? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I was wondering if it was possible to get rhinoplasty to make my nostrils smaller and less noticeable and correct my semi-upturned nose? Thanks

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photo. Since each person’s face is different, the same surgical techniques cannot be used for every rhinoplasty patient. When planning the procedure, a number of different factors must be considered, such as individual face shape and nasal characteristics. Older forms of rhinoplasty attempted to correct wide nostrils by excising nostril skin, but to achieve a more natural improvement, the entire nostril can be reshaped instead. This avoids scars and creates a more natural looking curve than what was possible through skin excision. You may find that you have more than one option available to you. I recommend that you book a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in this area and who's before and after photos appeal to you. They will examine you in person, discuss your aesthetic goals and provide options.All the best

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.The harmony between facial parts makes us instinctively recognize the beauty... without knowing it, without defining it, just a perception that surprises and captivates us.In this regard, I suggest perform a Closed Rhinoplasty (without visible scars) to treat the tip, base and nasal bridge.With this procedure you get a delicate nose, better harmonize with your other facial features.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nostrils can be made smaller with a procedure called alar base resections. Once these are done, I think you will be ok with the rotation of your nose. Obtain a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you. Hopefully, they will have Vectra 3 D computer imaging  to give you a good idea as to how your nose should look after alar base resections.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Drew8,Thanks for your question.Yes, it is possible to change the size of your nostrils and elongate it so that the side view looks less upturned.An alar base narrowing procedure along with tip derotation and elongation using cartilage grafting should provide you the look you are searching for.I would suggest that you consult with a rhinoplasty specialist in your area to understand your options.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Both of these things can be improved with rhinoplasty.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA...................

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear DrewThe changes you are asking for can be accomplished through a rhinoplasty. You need to go for 2 or 3 in person consultations with properly trained and experienced surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic or Facial Plastic surgery and have an assessment of your nose, soft tissues and cartilage so you can make a well informed decision.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Drew8,Rhinoplasty can help you achieve those goalsLengthening the nose will involve using your own cartilage to push the tip further downYou can also narrow the nostrils from the inside of the nose to avoid the incisions that go around the nostrilsWhen you are ready, please see a rhinoplasty specialist as the maneuvers to lengthen the nose are more advancedBest,Dr. Nima

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photographs. There are several conservative changes which could be performed.  You may be a candidate for alar narrowing, but only a full assessment in person could fully determine this. You also may want to consider a tip narrowing and refining rhinoplasty.  Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose.  Cartilage grafts can also be performed to improve the tip refinement.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon who you are comfortable with.  With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

It is common to request smaller nostrils that won't flare out as much especially with smiling as well as address the upturn of your nose.  The best recommendation is to have an in person consultation with a board certified specialist who can evaluate you and assist you with achieving the goals you seek. 3-dimensional computer imaging can help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish de-rotation of the tip down a few millimeters by adding a cartilage graft on bridge of the nose build up the shallow bridge line that is present. In addition the nostrils can be narrowed with an alar plasty which involves removal of a small wedge of skin at the base of the nostrils.

My upturned nose and nostrils. Is it possible to make my nostrils smaller? (Photo)

Answers (19)

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