Have you ever noticed how your nostrils seem to widen when you’re out of breath, angry, or laughing hard? Flared nostrils are a part of our natural anatomy, and while they’re often temporary, for some people, they can be a constant feature.
Most of the time, flared nostrils are purely cosmetic and not a cause for concern. But if you notice other symptoms like difficulty breathing, chronic congestion, or changes in your nasal shape, it’s a good idea to see a doctor possibly for a deviated septum or nasal obstruction.
If you want to make them less noticeable, we have some tips for you.
What Are Flared Nostrils?
Flared nostrils occur when the openings of the nose widen, creating a more pronounced appearance. For most people, this happens normally when you make a facial expression or when you breathe a certain way. Other people may have nostrils that naturally look flared, usually influenced by nasal cartilage, skin thickness, and even your ethnic background.
Medical Conditions
Certain health problems can also cause flared nostrils. For example, individuals with chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis may experience persistent nostril flaring as their body compensates for reduced airflow. Respiratory conditions like asthma can also lead to this issue, especially during flare-ups.
Trauma or Injury
A broken nose or previous injury can sometimes alter the structure of the nostrils, causing one or both to flare unevenly. This may not only affect the appearance of the nose but also its function.
Habitual Breathing Patterns
Mouth breathers, take note: chronic mouth breathing can lead to nasal flaring. When you can’t breathe properly through your nose, your body adapts by widening the nostrils to improve airflow.
How to Lessen the Appearance of Flared Noses
1. Contouring with Makeup
Using makeup is a quick and effective way to make your nostrils appear less prominent. Apply a slightly darker shade of contour powder or cream along the sides of your nose to create a slimming effect. Blend the contour well to ensure a natural look, avoiding harsh lines and highlight the bridge of your nose with a lighter shade to draw attention upward.
2. Facial Exercises
Certain facial exercises may help tone the muscles around the nose and potentially reduce nostril flaring over time:
Nose Flare Control Exercise: Inhale deeply and try to prevent your nostrils from flaring while exhaling slowly. Repeat this several times daily.
Press-and-Tighten Technique: Place your index fingers on either side of your nose and gently press inward while flaring your nostrils. This can help improve muscle control.
Sometimes, tension in your face can accentuate nostril flaring. Be mindful of your facial posture by relaxing your jaw and mouth throughout the day. Additionally, avoid clenching your teeth or furrowing your brow, as this can create unnecessary tension.
3. Nasal Strips
If your flared nostrils are due to difficulty breathing, nasal strips can provide temporary relief and reduce the need for your nostrils to widen. You just need to apply a strip across the bridge of your nose before sleeping or exercising. These work by gently lifting the sides of your nose to improve airflow.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures can be effective at lessening the appearance of flared nostrils and enhance the nose overall.
Nasal Fillers for Flared Nostrils
Nasal fillers involve injecting a gel-like substance, often hyaluronic acid, into specific areas of the nose to create a more balanced and refined appearance.
Fillers are strategically placed around the nose, such as the bridge or tip, to reshape and contour the nose. For flared nostrils, fillers can help by adding volume in areas that redirect the eye’s focus, reducing the perceived prominence of wide nostrils by making it look more proportionate.
This procedure doesn’t involve surgery, leaves no scars and has little to no downtime. You can see the difference as soon as the procedure is complete. And if you’re not happy with the results, the filler can be dissolved.
Botox for Flared Nostrils
Botox (botulinum toxin) relaxes the muscles that cause nostrils to flare. A small amount of Botox is injected into the dilator naris muscle, which controls nostril flaring. By relaxing this muscle, Botox reduces the intensity of nostril flare when you smile or breathe deeply.
This approach is particularly effective for people whose nostrils flare dynamically (e.g., during facial expressions or deep breathing). It takes about 10–15 minutes, and results typically appear within 3–7 days. Botox is ideal for individuals whose nostril flaring is noticeable during smiling or other expressions but don’t want or need structural changes.
Fixing Flared Nostrils in Penang, Malaysia
Visit A Klinik Signature Today
Whether you choose to embrace or treat your flared nostrils, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your skin. If you’re self-conscious about flared nostrils but not ready for surgery, these non-surgical options offer a great alternative. With the guidance of one of our aesthetic experts, you can achieve subtle yet noticeable improvements in your appearance without permanent commitment.
