Does Pushing/pinching/pressing Nose into Certain Direction Can Change Shape?

You can't alter your nose's shape by merely pressing on it or pinching or pushing it. Think about the amount of pressure it takes to change the position of teeth: orthodontists have to apply a tremendous amount of consistent pressure with braces over a period of years to effect a permanent change. And even the option of a nose “brace” would not actually create a new nose shape: The cartilage that gives the nose its length and much of its shape is resilient and has “memory”: It returns to its original shape over time. If you want to change your nose shape, rhinoplastic surgery is the only way to do it. I hope this helps.

It is not really possible to change the shape of the nose by pressing on it. Actually, you can kind of irritate it if you press too much on it. Irreversible damage would be uncommon but if you are concerned, find a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation.

The nose is made of bone and cartilage (hard, firm structures) covered by skin. Compression of these structures will only compress the skin, but not the bone or cartilage. However, post-surgery, we often recommend compression exercises (see my website) to mold the fractured bones and to diminish soft tissue swelling. These exercises only work for about 6 weeks, while the patient is healing.

Thank you for your question. One of the many reasons rhinoplasty is regarded as the most complex plastic surgery procedures is the anatomy of the nose and challenging is to change the shape of the nose. Simple pressure in the form of pushing or pressing is only likely to make a temporary change in the shape of the nose, as two thirds of the nose is made out of an elastic material termed cartilage. Even though the position of the nose can be changed by pressing the cartilage, the memory and elastic properties within the nose will result in the nose changing back to its original shape. The exception to this is if a significant force or trauma was to effect the bone in the top third of the nose in which this force could fracture or damage the underlying bone. The only way to safely alter the shape of your nose with rhinoplasty or for some patients the addition of filler to camouflage existing anatomy (non-surgical rhinoplasty), I recommend visiting a facial cosmetic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty for an expert opinion.

The human tissues do "adapt" its shape to changes in force however this cannot be applicable to the nasal framework. The nasal bones and too strong to be changed by forced while the cartilages are flexible and have a memory. Pushing on your nose does not change the shape of it permanently. The only thing that does is a surgical rhinoplasty procedure.
Hope this helps,
Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Nasal compression devices to achieve a narrower appearance are completely ineffective for achieving permanent results. If you did not fracture your nasal cartilage, which would be painful, it is unlikely your manipulations led to permanent change. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph 

Dear desperatenoseguy,


Messing with your nose does not change the shape of it permanently

The only thing that does change the shape is rhinoplasty surgery, or a non-surgical rhinoplasty

Cartilage has a memory and it should go back to the original state


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani
 

It is not possible to alter the shape of nose by pushing the bones and cartilage in to a new position. This would involve breaking the nose to achieve that outcome.

It is true though that after surgery the swelling in the soft tissue can be altered by pushing in the form of massage and this may be what you read about. Massage after a rhinoplasty can be helpful for up to 12 months, but you can not alter the nasal shape of an unoperated, or unbroken nose by pressing on it.

 

Jeremy Hunt 

 

Did you recently have surgery?  If so, I would recommend only doing things within the boundaries of what your surgeon directs.  Pushing and pressing on your nose early after surgery certainly can affect its final shape.  Directed reshaping can help to influence how swelling resolves and the nose heals.  

Excessive pushing  and pressing on the nose can cause permanent injury to it, so it's important not to undergo the repetitive behavior. If you want to change the shape of your nose, consider performing a rhinoplasty procedure. For many examples, please see the link and the video below