Is it possible to move the nostrils up and forward from the side? (photo)

Question

Hello! I have large nostrils that sit low compared to the center of my nose. I was wondering if it is possible to adjust this.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Greetings from Istanbul! Achieving your desired look is definitely doable. The procedure would involve deprojecting the nose which means shortening the distance between the tip of the nose and the alar base. This would make your nose a bit more rounder and less pronounced. It appears there might be some columellar retraction; this can be refined with a tip plasty. Additionally, sculpting your nostrils can be accomplished through nostril reduction with an alarplasty. Best of luck!

Muhammed Fatih Evcimik, MD · Answer

The tip of the nose and the wing of the nose should be proportional, the wing is currently lower, and the projection is too high. It needs to be reduced, that means, the tip of the nose should be brought closer to the face. We need to reduce the distance between the tip of the nose and the face.

Pasha Mostofi, MD, DMD · Answer

Hello there, 
The short answer is yes. However, what would really be happening is that your entire nasal tip and the way its projected would be repositioned such that your nostril wouldn't 'show' as much. The reason you have a lot of show right now is because you have a pretty acute nasolabial angle. What does that mean? Basically, the angle formed by your upper lip and nasal base is your nasiolabial angle. If we were to generalize, and keep in mind this is not true for all races/ethnicities/individuals, a typical male nasolabial angle is 90-95 degrees, so very close to a right angle, almost like what you've drawn with the red arrows in your photo you posted. A female nasolabial angle is more 'acute', so about 105-115 degrees. Yours is greater than 115, hence there is more nostril show. Long story short now, your nasolabial angle can be decreased, so it still keeps its feminine form while showing less nostril. Hope this helps answer your question!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

This condition may also be result of retruded columella? Only on the basis of in person evaluation or series of detailed photos one could find out what is the primary cause. Both can be corrected with well planned surgery. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in nose surgery would help. Good luck.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, quite easily.
An alaplasty can reduce the size of the nostrils and or their shape including elevating the insertion into the cheek
Your nasal profile is very attractive; be careful not to change other aesthetic aspects for this one view

Is it possible to move the nostrils up and forward from the side? (photo)

Answers (5)

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