Nostril Reduction
Surgery for reducing nostril size
Rhinoplasty which involves reducing nostril size is most common in African or afro-Caribbean noses. However, it can be required in other ethnic types of nose and sometimes even in Caucasian noses. The commonest dislike is nostril flaring especially during smiling which makes the nose look excessively wide.
The surgery for reducing nostril size requires considerable experience since it involves scars which need to be carefully positioned in the furrows at the base of the nostril in order to keep them well hidden. The stitching needs to be meticulous and the judgement to assess how much the nostrils are to be reduced needs accurate assessment to keep a natural appearance after surgery.
How is nostril reduction surgery performed?
The procedure involves removing a piece of tissue at the base of the nostril rim.
The picture above shows one nostril where tissue has been removed on one side and the other side has been marked prior to reduction. The picture below shows both nostrils reduced in size at the end of the surgery. The scars are carefully hidden at the base of the nostril and will hardly be seen when the stitches are removed.
What anaestheic is required?
A general anaesthetic is usually required if the nostril reduction is performed as part of a reduction rhinoplasty where other changes to the nose are required. However, if the nostril reduction is carried out on its own with no other changes to the nose it may be performed under local anaesthetic while you are awake.
What are the scars like once healed ?
Once the fine stitches are removed a week after surgery the scars may be a little red but very quickly fade and blend into the crease at the base of the nostril. After a few months the scars are barely noticeable. View the video below to see a close up of how the scars heal long term.