
What is a Wide Nose?
Having a wide nose means your nose is wider than it “should be” when you compare it to the other features on your face. This might be because your nostrils (the alar base) are too wide, or because the middle part of your nose (the bridge) is too chunky. This may be something you’re born with, or it may develop over time as you age, or because you’ve hurt your nose.
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At Centre for Surgery, we offer several types of plastic surgery that can help make your nose look smaller. The two main ones are Rhinoplasty (often called a “nose job”, which changes the way your nose looks by focusing on the bridge) and Alarplasty (which reduces the size of your nostrils by narrowing the nostril passages).
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Wide Nose: What Causes It?
Family Traits
Your genes play a significant role in determining the shape of your nose, including whether it’s wide or not. Having a wide, flat nose is quite common in some parts of the world, particularly among people of East Asian and African descent (often called a Nubian nose).
Previous Surgery to Lower a Raised Bridge
If you’ve ever had surgery to lower a ‘dorsal hump‘ (a raised bridge of the nose), it might make your nose look wider, as a lack of height in the nose bridge can give the illusion that your nose is wider than it actually is.
Injury
An injury can cause the bones in your nose to shift and spread out, which can make your nose appear wider than before.
Ageing
As we get older, you may notice that your nostrils are widening or the tip of your nose is becoming broader. This is an entirely normal part of ageing.
Thinking about getting a wide nose rhinoplasty?
If you can tick any of the boxes below, you might be a perfect candidate for a wide nose rhinoplasty: your nostrils are large or wide; the bridge of your nose is wide; you have a broad or bulbous nose tip; or you have a dorsal hump which makes your nose look broad. Before making a decision, consult with a specialist plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery.
How to Make Your Wide Nose Smaller with Wide Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose reshaping surgery, is a comprehensive surgical approach performed under general anaesthesia. It aims to alter the nose’s size and shape, catering to both aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
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Fundamentals of Surgical Rhinoplasty
Surgical Rhinoplasty is an intricate procedure designed to modify the nose’s structure. For individuals with breathing difficulties, a Septo-Rhinoplasty might be recommended, offering a dual benefit of enhanced looks and improved nasal function.
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Specialised Focus on the Nose Tip: Rhino-Tip Surgery

Nose Tip Rhinoplasty, also known as Rhino-Tip Surgery, is specifically designed for individuals who primarily wish to address concerns related to the tip of their nose. This precise procedure adjusts the size and enhances the position of the nasal tip, addressing issues of drooping and achieving a more aesthetically pleasing balance with the rest of the face.
Narrowing Nostrils with Alarplasty

Alarplasty, or Alar Base Reduction, zeroes in on the nostrils, specifically targeting their width. Ideal for individuals seeking to reduce the size of wide nostrils, this procedure can significantly alter the appearance of the nasal base, resulting in more proportionate facial symmetry. Alarplasty is often combined with other rhinoplasty techniques for a more comprehensive enhancement.
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Tailored Consultation for Optimal Results
Choosing the correct procedure depends on various factors, including the specific characteristics of your nose and the desired outcome. A detailed consultation with your surgeon at Centre for Surgery is crucial. By reviewing before-and-after photos of similar procedures, you can gain a clearer understanding of the potential results.
Exploring Non-Surgical Options to Refine Your Nose’s Width
For individuals seeking to refine the width of their nose without undergoing surgery, effective non-surgical treatments are available. These alternatives offer less invasive ways to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing nasal appearance; however, they typically require ongoing maintenance to maintain the results.
RELATED: Why Is My Nose Tip So Wide?
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as Liquid Rhinoplasty, is a popular treatment that utilises dermal fillers to alter the nose’s appearance subtly. Experienced practitioners can skilfully use fillers to create an optical illusion that can make the nose appear more proportionate to the rest of the face, effectively addressing concerns over nose width without the need for surgery.
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Neuromodulators: A Subtle Approach to Nose Reshaping
Neuromodulators offer an alternative non-surgical option that targets the muscles responsible for pulling the nostrils sideways and the nasal tip downwards. By relaxing these muscles, neuromodulators can help reduce the appearance of an overactive nostril flare, resulting in a slimmer-looking nose.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty for a Wide Nose
A nose job could deliver: a more petite nose that’s in proportion with the rest of your face; a boost in self-esteem and confidence; and a more balanced look overall. If you’re considering a rhinoplasty or alarplasty to make your wide nose a bit smaller, get in touch with us at Centre for Surgery.
Procedure Details
In alarplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision in the outer crease of your nose at the alar base, removes a little wedge of tissue to reduce the size of your nostril opening, and may also trim down the outer cartilage to make your nostrils look narrower.
For a rhinoplasty procedure, the surgeon makes incisions across the columella (the soft part of tissue sitting between your nostrils). The skin is carefully lifted away from the underlying bone and cartilage, which is then reshaped to make it narrower before pulling the skin back over the newly sculpted nose.
RELATED: Narrow Nostril Surgery for Fixing Breathing Difficulties
How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Wide Nose Rhinoplasty?
Patients should prepare for a recovery timeline that spans several weeks, with the full benefits becoming apparent over several months.
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The immediate recovery period typically lasts up to 8 weeks. During this time, patients may notice that their nose appears undefined or uneven as swelling and bruising begin to subside. Surgeons will advise against strenuous activity, and a splint is usually applied and worn for the first week. The nose’s final shape and appearance will continue to refine and settle over up to 6 months post-surgery.
Why Do I Have a Wide Bridge of My Nose, and How Can I Treat It?

Reasons for a Wide Bridge Nose
A wide nose bridge can result from genetics, injuries or trauma to the nose, or the natural ageing process.
RELATED: Nose Bridge Rhinoplasty
Treatment Options
The best treatment option for a wide bridge nose is typically a full rhinoplasty. During the procedure, your surgeon will work on narrowing the bone and cartilage of your nose to achieve a shape more in line with your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wide Nose Surgery

How Can I Tell If My Nose Is Considered Wide?
A good way to check whether your nose is wide is to compare its width to the distance between your eyes. If your nostrils stretch beyond the inner corners of your eyes, then your nose could be considered wide.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Wide Nose Smaller?
Rhinoplasty is the most effective way to reduce the size of a wide nose. This procedure can enhance the shape and size of your nose, resulting in a more pleasing look.
Can I Make My Nostrils Smaller?
Yes, a procedure known as alarplasty or alar base reduction is designed to reduce the size of the nostrils without changing the width of the nose bridge.
How Can I Achieve a Narrower Nose?
A rhinoplasty is the best surgical procedure to obtain a narrower nose, modifying the size and shape of your nose bridge and nostrils for a more balanced and attractive appearance.
RELATED: Can Rhinoplasty Fix a Wide Nose?
How Long Will It Take for the Swelling to Subside After Rhinoplasty?
The most noticeable swelling typically appears within the first few days. For all the swelling to completely go away, it could take up to a year.
Are There Risks or Complications Involved in Narrowing a Wide Nose?
Like any surgical procedure, nose surgery can involve risks and complications including infections, bleeding, or scarring. It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your surgeon before going ahead with the procedure.
Choosing Centre for Surgery for Your Wide Nose Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care and surgical excellence in every procedure we perform. Our team comprises highly skilled plastic surgeons specialising in facial procedures, especially nose surgery, bringing years of expertise and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. We understand that everyone’s aesthetic goals are unique and design tailored treatment plans that best suit you. We employ state-of-the-art surgical techniques and equipment, and our commitment to you extends well beyond the operation itself with comprehensive aftercare.
To book a consultation: 📞 0207 993 4849 | 📧 contact@centreforsurgery.com | 📍 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

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