Nostrils Pull Up when Smile?

Photos or an exam would really be necessary to provide you with the best advice. If you feel your nostrils are "pulling up," they may be naturally receding. Cartilage grafts can be placed in the nose to improve the appearance of your nostrils. A graft called a composite graft may help. There is not a muscle you can cut to stop the nostrils from pulling up when smiling. Depending on the needs of the patient, cutting the depressor septi muscle may be a beneficial option, but this is not something that would help in your case. From here, I would recommend a consult with a board certified surgeon in your area. Look for the following when seeking out a surgeon:

1) Credentials
2) Fellowship training
3) Board certification

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck!

Unfortunately there is little that can be done to prevent the actions of the several levator muscles of the nose from pulling up on the nostrils.