Reduce nostrils

Is it necessary to reduce the size of the nostrils as part of rhinoplasty?

It makes sense to have the nostrils reduced if the size of the nose and the tip of the nose are very different. The nostrils move to the side, making the nostrils appear very large in proportion.

This creates an imbalance in relation to the reduced structures.

Normally, a complete rhinoplasty usually includes the removal of the nasal hump by chiselling and correction of the tip of the nose. These changes can usually sufficiently correct the aesthetics of the nose.

In some cases, however, this is not enough. Sometimes it is also necessary to correct a crooked nose that is associated with a crooked nasal septum.

In fact, it is often necessary to perform a nostril reduction during a rhinoplasty.

We always discuss with our patients before an operation whether they agree to this form of surgical extension if we consider it necessary for an overall aesthetic appearance.

On the other hand, there are also patients with nostrils that are too large from birth and an otherwise normal nasal structure. These patients then present with the wish to have only the nostrils reduced in size and otherwise leave the nose as it is.

This is a much smaller nose operation than a complete rhinoplasty. No bones need to be broken and the cartilage structures can usually be left as they are.

Such a procedure not only means a faster healing phase and fewer restrictions, but also less pain and lower costs.

How can the nostrils be surgically reduced?

As described above, nostril correction is usually part of a complete rhinoplasty. As far as the technique is concerned, however, it does not matter whether the operation is performed as part of a larger procedure or in isolation.

The principle is that a full layer of tissue is removed at the base of the nostrils. This piece of tissue can vary in size and shape.

It can be a wedge or a trapezoid, depending on how the nose wing is to be shaped.

In smaller cases a 2 mm wedge is removed, in larger cases, for example with an African broad nose, the piece of tissue can also be 1 cm.

What anesthesia is required to reduce the size of the nostrils?

If the operation is part of a major operation, general anesthesia must always be assumed.

However, if only the nostril correction is required, the procedure can also be performed under local anesthesia, possibly with twilight sleep.

An inpatient stay is then not necessary. However, this also depends on the patient’s individual wishes and the costs incurred.

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