Will a rhinoplasty correct my nostrils? They are too wide when I smile

Question

My main concern about my nose is that my nostrils are too wide when I smile. I think it only be fixed with surgery correct? Can filler do the work somehow? Do you think I can do simply nostril reduction? (Maybe it would look weird? I am trying to go the least risky route). what is a better type of surgery? With Diced rib or solid rib? Why? Also why does my profile look so different from right to left? I think my right profile (face looking to the right) looks better.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. You are a great Candidate for Rhinoplasty, surgical instruments known as rasps and osteotomies (hammer and chisel) are used to reshape the nasal bones by removing the hump and/or narrowing the nasal bone width. These tools are relatively imprecise and their use can lead to contour irregularities, etc. if not used in the proper manner. Recently, a technology that uses sound waves has been developed to contour nasal bones in a precise and far less traumatic way when compared to traditional techniques. Ultrasonic, or Piezo, Rhinoplasty is now the most advanced technology available for minimally traumatic nasal bone reshaping and hump removal during Rhinoplasty. There will be hardly any bruising and swelling which will make the recovery period a lot easier for the patient.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty surgery typically does not significantly address the nostril size, however changes in projection and rotation can have some effect. An alar base reduction is an option as well, however it is difficult to tell if you would benefit from this as it requires a thorough facial analysis, particular with attention to your eyes. I would recommend that you seek consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your surgical options and develop a surgical plan. Best of luck!

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

There are several ways of narrowing nostrils. And two of them do not involve cutting out any tissue. You can have the nose degloved off its bony attachments and the nostrils will shrink in. Another way is to use a cinching suture. Many times we use a combination.

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

Yes you can have the width of your nose. This will address your main question. The incisions are hidden at the base of your nose. You other suggestions would not reduce the width of your nose. You should seek out face to face consultations to allow you to see results of this procedure.
Sincerely,
Dr. K 
San Francisco, Ca

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Narrowing the nostrils is common in ethnic rhinoplasty. This is accomplished by cutting out a segment of the nostril and is called alar wedge resection. Many examples on the internet and an excellent procedure in the right person.

Salih Onur Basat, MD, EBOPRAS · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question.
Based on your photos, you have an ethnic nose. That means your nose has low height, wide nose base , wide nose tip and flared nostril ( nose ala or wings). For your case I recommend; decreasing of bone wideness with osteotomy ( your nasal bone can be approximated to each other) , height of your nose can be increased with cartilage graft, tip part of your nose can be reshaped to get triangular, more defined, feminine  nose tip shape. Lastly your nasal nostril can be decreased in size. I think this combination can give good result for your case. 
Best of lucks.

Regan Thomas, MD · Answer

There are several procedures to modify nostril width depending on the contributing anatomic factors.  Your preoperative evaluation should be able to inform you of the best procedure recommended and other rhinoplasty goals that may be of benefit to you.  Be sure to have an in person evaluation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Best wishes to you as you pursue your surgical goals.

Min-Koo Lee, PhD · Answer

Hi.. Your nose itself does not have much defects. But if you're concerned about your nostrils, i recommend you get nasal reduction. It's not a difficult surgery and there're very few scars left.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

An alar-plasty involves excising a small wedge of skin at the base of the nostrils to narrow them.  It is also possible to release the lateral attachments of the ala to decrease the amount of widening when smiling dynamically

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos and you have an ethnic nose that would benefit from subtle refinement. So go on some complimentary consultations with experts that use digital photography to show you what can be accomplished with your nose and how it might be done and become fully informed about the desired procedure

Dr Corbin

Dr Corbin

Will a rhinoplasty correct my nostrils? They are too wide when I smile

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