Asian nose: How to reduce the size of my nostrils when smiling? (Photo)

Question

I had rhinoplasty almost a month ago. They reduced my alar and added a bridge. The bridge is too slim which makes my nose look unnatural. I don't think heeling time will correct this. I am planning get revision surgery asap to remove the bridge because I liked the look of my previous one and to further reduce my alar. My biggest concern is when I smile, my nostrils expand too much, making me feel uncomfortable smiling. Can this be fixed?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are likely experiencing bruising and swelling because you are in the initial stages of your recovery. Please remain patient and continue following the recovery instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

You are very early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point.The swelling during this time is rarely symmetric. One side will always resolve more quickly than the other. The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Michael J. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.
I believe your question is asking can you reduce the width of your nostrils when you smile.  The only way to reduce the size of your nostrils when smiling is to reduce your ala even more, but this can lead to an unnatural appearing result and breathing problems.  You appear to have a great alarplasty result after your rhinoplasty.
You have to realize that your nostril width at rest will always be smaller compared to when you smile.  That's because there are various smile muscles and skin tension that naturally expands the alar base when smiling.  Unless you don't want to smile, this will not change.  It happens to a varying degree in everyone.

Asian nose: How to reduce the size of my nostrils when smiling? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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