Can this nostril size be reduced with Botox or filler? (Photo)

Question

I have large nostrils with an extra flare. Can filler close off the flare or can Botox drop the flare? I've been told cartilage from my ears can be grafted to make the nostrils smaller but this option does not appeal to me at all. Am I stuck with these giant nostrils?

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. You have a complex issue that requires expert-level correction. You have retracted appearing nasal ala which can only be properly addressed through rhinoplasty—fillers simply don’t have the structural strength to achieve the necessary changes. Botox will not do anything to help your issue.

To correct this, your nasal ala will need to be pulled down and made more proportional with your columella and the rest of your nose. This involves harvesting septal cartilage (or a specialized alternative) to create custom grafts that reinforce the nasal tip, columella, and ala, ensuring both stability and long-term support. Without these techniques, results may be unpredictable or short-lived.

Since rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding surgeries in all of plastic surgery, you should ONLY trust an experienced rhinoplasty specialist. Many plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty occasionally—but this is a surgery of millimeters, where small miscalculations can have significant consequences. A surgeon who performs only a handful of these a year simply won’t deliver the best possible result.

I have extensive training in advanced rhinoplasty techniques, including complex primary and revision cases, under one of the world's top rhinoplasty surgeons (who performs 1,000+ nose jobs annually). If you're serious about achieving a refined, natural-looking outcome, I’d highly recommend scheduling a consultation with me (Virtual or In-Person). This will allow us to discuss your goals, conduct a detailed examination, and determine the ideal approach for your unique anatomy.

Looking forward to helping you achieve the results you’re looking for!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The flare of the nostrils can be reduced with Alarplasty. 
Alarplasty is a very fine and quick procedure that can narrow the nostrils and reduce the flare to soften the appearance. It has other names as well like ‘Weir Excisions’ or ‘Nostril Reduction’. However, it is important to note that asymmetry of nostrils is common and cannot be corrected with alarplasty. Visit the alarplasty website to learn all about it.
Click on the video link below to see the details.
Regards
Dr. J

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Nostril retraction that causes excess nostril show may be improved permanently with microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections, depending on your examination. For many this may be a better option than surgery with alar rim grafts. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The photo shows evidence of a "hanging columella," where the central column of the nose is exposed and not sufficiently covered by the nostrils. I have had success with filler in reducing the columella show. If there is also an issue of flaring of the nasal wings, then a couple of tiny droplets of Botox can be helpful. The nose is not a site for novice injectors, so make sure to consult an experienced, board certified, cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Olga Zilberstein, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected into the nasalis muscle that causes the nose flare. This will cause the muscle to relax and reduce the flaring.

Can this nostril size be reduced with Botox or filler? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nonsurgical Filler Reduction Of Hanging Columella & Flaring Nostrils

Answer: Nonsurgical Filler Reduction Of Hanging Columella & Flaring Nostrils

Answer: Botox for Nose Flare!

Answer: Botox for Nose Flare!

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Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

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Can this nostril size be reduced with Botox or filler? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Nonsurgical Filler Reduction Of Hanging Columella & Flaring Nostrils

Answer: Nonsurgical Filler Reduction Of Hanging Columella & Flaring Nostrils

Answer: Botox for Nose Flare!

Answer: Botox for Nose Flare!

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.