After a rhinoplasty, are the muscles in the nose still able to function and flare your nostrils?

Question

From my understanding the nasalis is responsible for flaring the nose nostrils, but I haven't been able to find any information if a rhinoplasty impedes this function.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

The muscle that flares the nostrils will still be intact after rhinoplasty. There may be some swelling after rhinoplasty which impedes the function for a while, but it should gradually go back to normal. However, sometimes and alar base reduction is done for wide nostrils, and the introduction of scar tissue to that area may restrict nostril flaring some.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

A rhinoplasty should not obstruct your ability to “flare your nostrils.” Your question often gets asked by my patients who are actors in the film industry, as they need preserve their ability to emote and covey nuanced emotions. In order to best reach your aesthetic goals, please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience and knowledge in rhinoplasty surgery.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Merta3, Thank you for your question. It is possible to flare your nares following this procedure. Best of luck to you.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. The short answer is 'yes'. You should still be able to flare your nostrils voluntarily. Having said that, alar base reduction (if performed) can change the shape and size of your nostrils. My best advice is that you discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty. I would ask to see before and after pictures of their real patients. It's important that you trust your surgeon's skills and ability to achieve the results you are looking for. In particular, pay attention to your surgeon's experience with rhinoplasty. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can still flare and move your nostrils after any rhinoplasty. After surgery, the nostrils can still voluntarily move but if a nostril flare reduction, aka alar flare reduction, is desired, this can be accomplished through an alar base modification. Such modification, though, does not impact the ability to still move the nostril voluntarily. Best wishes,Thomas Walker, MD, FACS

After a rhinoplasty, are the muscles in the nose still able to function and flare your nostrils?

Answers (10)