Will a Rhinoplasty help with small nostrils? (Photo)

Question

I’ve had alarplasty done 10 yrs ago. I have tiny nostrils. Will a rhino make my nostrils even smaller? I can’t breathe very well, though manageable. I have heard that a rhino may narrow my nostrils even more, but it may help with my breathing. Am not sure if I will end up looking extremely weird with even smaller or narrower nostrils. Also, I have weird lumps on the sides of my alars when I smile. Could that have been caused by my alarplasty? Never had those before the alarplasty.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you are having difficulty breathing through your nose, the best advice would be to consult with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists so you could have your airway analyzed and see if you are indeed a candidate for airway reconstruction. Depending on your examination, your nostrils may get a drop wider. Thank you for this question, and I wish you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The alarplasty changed the angle of the nose and made the nostrils smaller.  A rhinoplasty can be done with a cartilage graft to increase the tip projection.  Also, you need the medial crura pulled together to give you a larger nasal passage.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Cartilage grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement.  This can be designed to lessen the pinched appearance of your alar base and can also help improve your breathing.   With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

Rhinoplasty can potentially improve your breathing issues without making your nostrils smaller; in fact, it may reshape or even enlarge them to enhance airflow and appearance. The lumps you notice when smiling could be due to scar tissue or healing from your previous alarplasty. It's important to consult a qualified surgeon who can assess your concerns and develop a personalized plan to address both functional and aesthetic aspects of your nose.

Will a Rhinoplasty help with small nostrils? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dr Paweł Szychta

Answer: Dr Paweł Szychta

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Will a Rhinoplasty help with small nostrils? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dr Paweł Szychta

Answer: Dr Paweł Szychta

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.