Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that can reshape the nose to improve both its appearance and how well you breathe. For some, a wide nose can be a source of self-consciousness, and rhinoplasty can address this concern.
But what exactly does “wide” mean? It’s not just about the actual size of your nose. It’s about how your nose fits with the rest of your face. Facial proportions and the “golden ratio” are often used as guides to achieve aesthetic balance. The goal is for your nose to complement your other features.
If you’re considering a wide nose job, there are both surgical (rhinoplasty, alarplasty) and non-surgical options to explore. Let’s take a look at what’s involved and what results you can realistically expect with some wide nose job before and after photos.
Is My Nose Too Wide? It’s All About Facial Harmony
Whether a nose seems “wide” is often in the eye of the beholder. What looks wide to one person might seem perfectly normal, or even beautiful, to someone else. Cultural norms and personal preferences play a big role here.
Ultimately, what matters most is how the nose fits with the rest of your face. If you have strong, defined features, a slightly wider nose can actually create a balanced and harmonious look. The features all complement each other.
On the other hand, if your features are more delicate, a wider nose might create a sense of imbalance. In that case, you might consider a rhinoplasty to make the nose appear slimmer.
The best way to figure out if rhinoplasty is right for you is to talk to a qualified surgeon. They can assess your facial structure and help you decide on the best course of action.
Non-surgical options for minimizing nasal width
If you’re not quite ready for surgery, there are a few non-surgical approaches you can try.
Makeup techniques
With the artful application of contouring and highlighting, you can visually narrow the nose by creating shadows and highlights.
Dermal fillers (non-surgical rhinoplasty)
Dermal fillers can be strategically injected to add volume to the bridge or tip of the nose, creating the illusion of a narrower nose.
Keep in mind that non-surgical rhinoplasty is a temporary solution, and fillers can’t actually reduce the size of your nose. They can only reshape it.
Surgical rhinoplasty techniques for narrowing a wide nose
A rhinoplasty, or nose job, can address a number of cosmetic and functional issues, including a wide nose. Here are some of the surgical techniques a surgeon might use to narrow the nose.
Nasal bone reshaping
One way to narrow the nasal bridge is to break and then reset the nasal bones. This is done through a procedure called an osteotomy.
Cartilage reduction and reshaping
Cartilage plays a big role in the shape of your nose, so your surgeon may want to alter the cartilage to give your nose a narrower look.
Two common procedures are:
- Septoplasty. If you have a deviated septum, correcting it can improve your breathing and change the shape of your nose.
- Spreader grafts. Cartilage grafts can be used to support the nasal structure and keep it from collapsing after the nose is narrowed.
Alar base reduction
The alar base is the area where your nostrils connect to your face. To reduce nostril flare, a surgeon can remove a wedge of tissue at the alar base.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty for Wide Noses
There are generally two approaches to rhinoplasty: open and closed. Here’s a quick look at the differences.
Open Rhinoplasty
- Incision location: The surgeon makes an incision across the columella, which is the strip of tissue that separates your nostrils.
- Advantages: Open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon a better view of the nasal structures, which means they can reshape the nose with greater precision.
- Disadvantages: It’s more invasive than closed rhinoplasty, and it may leave a small scar on your columella.
Closed Rhinoplasty
- Incision location: Incisions are made inside the nostrils.
- Advantages: It’s less invasive than open rhinoplasty, and it leaves no visible external scars.
- Disadvantages: The surgeon has less access to and a less clear view of the nasal structures, compared to open rhinoplasty.
Alarplasty: Nostril Reduction Surgery
Alarplasty is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the nostrils to make them smaller or change their shape. The surgeon removes a small wedge of tissue at the base of the nostril, which narrows the nostril.
Who is a good candidate for alarplasty?
If you’re a nonsmoker in good health and at least 16 years old (so your facial features are fully developed), you may be a good candidate for alarplasty. People choose to have this surgery to improve the look of their nostrils and, in some cases, to breathe more easily.
What happens during the procedure?
Alarplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions in the natural creases of the nostrils to hide any scarring.
What is recovery like?
Recovery is fairly quick, with swelling and bruising typically resolving in a week or two.
How much does alarplasty cost?
The price of alarplasty depends on where you live and the experience of your surgeon. In New York City, the procedure typically costs between $6,000 and $9,000, but it’s important to get a quote from your own surgeon.
Can a “tip plasty” change the appearance of a wide nose?
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the width of the nose’s bridge, but the shape of the nasal tip. A “tip plasty” is a type of rhinoplasty that focuses exclusively on reshaping the tip of the nose.
If your nose looks too wide because of a bulbous or poorly defined tip, a tip plasty can refine and narrow the area. This can create a more balanced and pleasing overall appearance.
Surgeons use several techniques in tip plasty, including:
- Cartilage grafting (adding cartilage)
- Suturing (stitching)
- Trimming (removing cartilage)
What is recovery like after wide nose rhinoplasty?
Right after your surgery, you’ll likely have a splint or cast on your nose. This is to support the new shape as it heals. Your surgeon will give you pain medication and tell you how to sleep (usually on your back, with your head elevated) and what activities to avoid.
Expect swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. It can look pretty dramatic at first. The worst of the swelling and bruising usually subsides over a few weeks, but subtle swelling can linger for months.
It can take up to a year to see the final results of your surgery. It’s really important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions during this time to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome. Be patient, and trust the process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering rhinoplasty to narrow a wide nose, the most important thing you can do is consult with a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon. During your consultation, be sure to discuss your desired outcomes and understand the limitations of what rhinoplasty can achieve.
Choosing the right surgeon is also essential. Look for someone with expertise in rhinoplasty and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. By carefully considering your options and selecting a skilled surgeon, you can increase your chances of achieving a satisfying result.