Narrow nostrils are often overlooked as a medical concern in the UK, but it is important to recognise that the nose plays a crucial role in our breathing. Even minor deformities can impact our ability to breathe properly. As a result, narrow nostrils should be taken seriously and addressed promptly, especially if they are causing breathing difficulties.
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Breathing is something we tend to take for granted, but it is a vital function that affects our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, events such as trauma or age-related changes can lead to the narrowing of the nostrils, impacting our ability to breathe comfortably. Fortunately, Narrow Nostril Surgery also known as alarplasty can provide effective relief and help restore proper breathing function and is commonly combined with a rhinoplasty.
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What are narrow nostrils?
Narrow nostrils can impact a person’s ability to breathe properly, leading to a range of symptoms and complications. These may include nasal congestion, difficulty breathing during physical activity, and sleep apnea. In some cases, narrow nostrils can also impact the appearance of the nose, causing it to appear smaller or more pinched.
What causes narrow nostrils?
Narrow nostrils can be caused by several factors, including nasal valve collapse, turbinate hypertrophy, and deviated septum. Each of these conditions affects the internal structure of the nose in different ways and can lead to various symptoms such as difficulty breathing, snoring, and nasal congestion.
Nasal valve collapse occurs when the nasal passages become too narrow or weak to maintain their structure, resulting in the collapse of the nasal valves during inhalation. The nasal valves are the narrowest part of the nasal passages and are responsible for regulating airflow through the nose. When the nasal valves collapse, air is forced through a smaller opening, causing increased resistance and difficulty breathing.
Several factors can contribute to nasal valve collapse, including ageing, trauma, previous nasal surgery, and congenital abnormalities. Symptoms of nasal valve collapse include nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and snoring. Treatment options for nasal valve collapse include nasal dilators, nasal stents, and surgery to reconstruct the nasal valves.
Turbinate hypertrophy is another condition that can cause narrow nostrils. The turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help to humidify and filter the air we breathe. When the turbinates become swollen or enlarged, they can obstruct the nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing and nasal congestion.
Turbinate hypertrophy can be caused by allergies, infections, or changes in hormone levels. Treatment options for turbinate hypertrophy include medications such as nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and decongestants. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or reduce the size of the turbinates.
A deviated septum is another condition that can cause narrow nostrils. The septum is the thin wall of bone and cartilage that separates the nasal passages. When the septum is deviated, it is not centred in the nose, causing one nasal passage to be smaller than the other.
Symptoms of a deviated septum can include nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and snoring. Treatment options for a deviated septum include medications such as nasal steroids and decongestants, as well as surgery to straighten the septum.
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Surgical Treatment for Narrow Nostrils
At Centre for Surgery, we offer a range of surgical treatments to fix narrow nostrils. Depending on the cause of the narrow nostrils, our experienced surgeons can determine the best course of action to achieve optimal results.
One of the surgical techniques we offer is nasal valve collapse surgery, which involves grafting cartilage from elsewhere on the body to reinforce the cartilage in the nasal valves. This procedure can be done through an open or closed rhinoplasty, or by using a metal implant if cartilage grafting is not an option.
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Another surgical option is turbinectomy, which widens the nasal passages in the turbinates. This can be done through procedures such as inferior turbinate bone resection, partial inferior turbinectomy, or submucosal diathermy.
Septoplasty is another option for those with narrow nostrils, which involves straightening out a deviated septum. During this procedure, excess cartilage and soft tissue are removed, and the septum cartilage is repositioned to widen the nasal airway.
Lastly, alarplasty is a rhinoplasty technique that focuses on fixing the alae or rims around the nostrils. It is suitable for those with a collapsed external septum, and involves rebuilding the sides of the nose to make the opening wider.
It’s worth noting that depending on the specific case, a combination of these procedures may be necessary for optimal results. Our surgeons will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and goals.
After the surgery, patients can expect some swelling to occur, which can take a few days to a few weeks to subside. Recovery time will depend on the invasiveness of the procedure, but most patients can return to some of their usual activities after a week and all activities after about a month.
At Centre for Surgery, our priority is to provide the highest quality care and results for our patients. Our experienced and skilled surgeons are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look and optimal health.
Nose Surgery for Narrow Nostrils FAQs
Why are my nostrils so narrow?
Narrow nostrils can be caused by several factors, including genetics, age, and certain medical conditions such as allergies or chronic sinusitis. The narrowing of the nostrils can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and can cause snoring or other breathing problems.
Can narrow nostrils cause snoring?
Yes, narrow nostrils can cause snoring. When the nasal passages are narrowed, it can lead to increased resistance to airflow, which can cause snoring. This occurs because the air passing through the narrowed passages creates turbulence, which in turn causes the tissues in the nose and throat to vibrate, resulting in the characteristic sound of snoring.
Is there surgery to make your nostrils smaller?
Yes, there is a surgical procedure called alarplasty that can be used to reduce the size of the nostrils. Alarplasty or alar base reduction is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions at the base of the nostrils and removing excess tissue to reshape and reduce the size of the nostrils.
Can a nose job change your smile?
A nose job, or rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is used to alter the size, shape, or structure of the nose. While the procedure is primarily focused on the nose, it can have some effect on the appearance of the smile, particularly if the procedure involves altering the position or size of the nasal tip. However, the impact on the smile will depend on the specific changes made during the procedure and the individual’s unique facial anatomy.
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How long does it take to recover from alarplasty?
The recovery time for alarplasty is typically minimal, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. Some mild swelling and bruising may be present for a few days after the procedure, but this usually resolves on its own within a week or so. It is important to follow any postoperative instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure optimal healing and minimise any potential risks or complications.
How do you fix narrow nasal passages?
There are several treatment options available for narrow nasal passages, including medications, nasal sprays, and surgery. In some cases, prescription medications such as corticosteroids or antihistamines may be used to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Nasal sprays, such as saline or decongestant sprays, can also be effective in reducing inflammation and opening up the nasal passages. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct structural issues and improve breathing, such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction surgery.
How can I widen my nose without surgery?
There are several non-surgical options for widening the nose, including the use of dermal fillers or nose shaping tools such as nose bridges or nose clips. Dermal fillers can be injected into the nose to fill in certain areas and create the appearance of a wider nose. Nose shaping tools can be worn temporarily to reshape the nose and create a wider appearance. However, it is important to note that these non-surgical options may not provide the same level of results as surgical procedures, and the results are usually temporary.
Choose Centre for Surgery for Narrow Nostril Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, our skilled surgeons will work with you to determine the best procedure for your specific needs. We offer various surgical techniques such as nasal valve collapse surgery, turbinate surgery, septoplasty and alarplasty to widen the nasal passages and improve airflow.
Our surgeons use advanced techniques and technology to ensure that the procedures are performed with the utmost precision, leading to optimal results. They have extensive experience and training in the field of plastic surgery, ensuring that you receive the best possible care and attention.
In addition, our clinic is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that your surgery is performed in a safe and comfortable environment. We also have a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff members who are always available to answer any questions you may have before and after your procedure.
At Centre for Surgery, we understand that every patient is unique, and we are committed to providing personalised care that is tailored to your individual needs. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
If you are considering narrow nostril surgery, contact Centre for Surgery to schedule a consultation and learn more about the options available to you. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results and look forward to working with you to improve your quality of life.
