Can Rhinoplasty Enlarge or Widen a Tiny Nostril?

Question

Can rhinoplasty enlarge or widen a tiny nostril? One of my nostril holes is medium and the other is so tiny you can barely see it.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

If you have two different shapes to your nostrils that can signify alot of things including a deviation of your septum. I agree that the only way to make something bigger is to add something there. Typically a cartilage graft is needed and likely a composite graft (composed of two parts, skin + cartilage) will be needed if it is in fact a stenotic nostril. Post procedure you may need stenting to support your nose during the recovery period.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty alone does not usually change the nostril size or width much unless one does an alar base resection or nostril base excision. These are separate entities that are an intrical part of a rhinoplasty if you want to create facial and nasal balance especially in males and/or Ethnic patients.

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty technique can in some instances be quite successful in opening a small nostril. In some cases this can be a result of congenital weakness of the underlying nostril framework (cartilage). If so, this can sometimes be reinforced with additional cartilage (termed grafting) to help open the nostril further.

	In other cases, this might involve what is termed a composite graft, which is a specialized graft containing cartilage and skin together. Keep in mind there are definite limitations to how much larger the nostril can be made. You also need to be realistic and accept the fact that most people's nostrils are asymmetric to some degree.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

As you can imagine, it is easier to reduce the size of a nostril than widen it.  That being said, nostril enlargement can be performed but the process by which it happens can depend on the cause of the nostril reduction in size.
If it is related to scar from trauma or surgery, then scar release procedures and tissue grafting will often help.  Sometimes a small nostril is really just an unsupported nostril that needs cartilage grafting to support it staying open.  If tissue is missing and this is the reason that the nostril is small, then adding tissue back in the form of a composite graft or forehead flap may be necessary.
In the end your surgeon needs to take a good look at the anatomy of your nose to determine what is going on.  This will allow them to better decide what procedure will help.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

While it is possible to enlarge nostril size, it is generally not a procedure I recommend for cosmetic purposes. There are situations where a past trauma or congenital issue necessitates the procedure for proper function and hygiene. I would suggest that you discuss your specific situation in consultation with a couple surgeons. Be very careful before proceeding as there is a considerable risk that it may create scars that are not to your liking.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a variety of techniques for changing the shape of the nostrils, including those for enlarging asymmetric ones.

Robert Mounsey, MD · Answer

Surgery can be performed to correct size differences in the nostrils. It is more common for people to want to make the nose holes smaller. Depending on the degree of correction needed this could be a very specialized procedure to bring in extra tissue to open up the nose. Consult a surgeon with experience in this field.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a popular and effective surgery to recontour the shape of your nose. During the surgery, there are many techniques that a surgeon can perform to alter the different parts of your nose. It is possible to advance a portion of your nostril and change the shape and size of this opening. Your best bet is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with rhinoplasty and cartilage techniques as you may need a small cartilage graft to help retain the new shape.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

A small nostril can be made bigger with a graft or another specialized technique, usually performed for functional improvements.

	The techniques need be determined with your surgeon based on your specific issues.

Fred Suess, MD (retired) · Answer

It is possible to enlarge and widen small nostrils.  It is not a long operation but it is a delicate one.
It is possible to perform the procedure under local anesthesia with minimal sedation and a short recovery period.

Can Rhinoplasty Enlarge or Widen a Tiny Nostril?

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