Draft for Dr Sanjay Parashar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation, Dubai · DHA licence 00244892A nose can look wide in three places: the bony bridge, the tip, or the nostrils (the alar base). Each has its own fix — bone cuts (osteotomies) to narrow the bridge, cartilage reshaping for the tip, and alar base reduction to narrow flaring or wide nostrils — with the incisions kept inside the nostril where possible. Nostril narrowing alone can often be done under local anaesthesia in under an hour.
Where does the width come from?
Pointing to 'wide' is only the start. From the front, width can sit in the upper third (bone), the lower third (tip), or the base (nostrils) — and many noses are wide in more than one place. Narrowing the wrong zone gives an unbalanced result.
A common guide is that the width of the nostril base is about the same as the distance between the inner corners of the eyes. It is only a guide — proportions differ between ethnic backgrounds, and a natural result respects them.
Understanding the anatomy
Dr SanjayA wide nose with wide nostrils is a common ethnic feature of Asian and Middle Eastern noses. Often it is caused by a lack of cartilage support in the tip, which lets the nostrils widen and flare. In some people the part of the tip just above the nostrils (the infratip lobule) is underdeveloped, so the nostrils look large compared with the tip. Improving this nostril-to-tip ratio needs anatomical correction of the tip, along with narrowing of the nostril base.
| What you see | What's underneath | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Broad upper bridge | Nasal bones set wide apart | Osteotomies move the bones inwards |
| Broad, round tip | Wide or convex tip cartilages | Suturing and conservative trimming of the tip cartilages |
| Nostrils flare outwards | Curved alar wings | Flare reduction, with the incision kept inside the nostril where possible |
| Nostril base too wide | A wide nostril floor (sill) | A small excision from the nostril floor (sill), inside the nostril |
| Nostrils look large compared with the tip | Weak tip cartilage support, or an underdeveloped infratip lobule | Strengthening and reshaping the tip to improve the nostril-to-tip ratio, with nostril base narrowing |
Is my nose wide? A quick self-check
- In a straight-on photo, your nostrils extend beyond the inner corners of your eyes
- Your nostrils flare noticeably when you smile
- The upper bridge looks broad between the eyes
- The tip looks round or boxy rather than defined
Send us three photos — front, left side and right side — on WhatsApp for an initial opinion from Dr Sanjay.
Send 3 photos on WhatsApp+971 50 919 8203 · photos are seen only by the clinic teamWhat are my treatment options?
| Option | What it fixes | What it can't do | Recovery | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alar base reduction (nostrils only) | Narrows flaring or wide nostrils; local anaesthesia possible | Does not narrow the bridge or the tip | About 5–7 days; stitches out at about a week | Permanent |
| Rhinoplasty with narrowing | Narrows the bridge (osteotomies) and the tip; can include nostrils and breathing | Very thick skin limits how narrow the tip can look | 7–10 days social; 12 months final | Permanent |
| Filler | Not suitable — filler adds width | Cannot narrow a nose | — | — |
How is a wide nose narrowed?
- Planning: front and base-view photographs map the widest zone.
- Nostrils: small, measured amounts of tissue are removed from the nostril floor and inner wing. Dr Sanjay prefers to keep these incisions inside the nostril, where the scar is hidden.
- Tip (if needed): the tip cartilages are narrowed with sutures and conservative trimming, keeping enough support.
- Bridge (if needed): osteotomies narrow the bony bridge in a controlled line.
- Airway: narrowing is balanced so breathing is not restricted.
- Finish: fine stitches at the nostrils, removed at about a week; a splint if the bones were moved.
Dr SanjayI prefer to keep the incision for alar reduction inside the nostril. In my view, taking it in the alar crease carries a risk — however small — of an artificial, unnatural look, which I would rather avoid.
Heritage matters. African, South Asian and South-East Asian noses are often naturally wider. Over-narrowing can look unnatural and can narrow the nostril openings. The aim is refinement that still suits your face.
Wide nose before and after
Real patients of Dr Sanjay, photographed with the same lighting and angle before and 12 months after surgery. Published with written consent. Individual results vary.
Case 1. Broad tip with wide nostrils
Rhinoplasty with tip refinement and nostril narrowing · Front, three-quarter, base and downward views
Case 2. Wide, flared nostrils
Nostril correction (alar base reduction) · Base, front and three-quarter views
Case 3. Deviated and broad nose
Septorhinoplasty with nostril narrowing · Front and base views
Case 4. Wide, flat nose
Rhinoplasty · Front, base and side views
Case 5. Broad nose with a wide tip and nostrils
Rhinoplasty with tip refinement · Front, base and three-quarter views
Case 6. Broad nose with a rounded tip
Rhinoplasty with tip refinement · Front and three-quarter views
The front and base (worm's-eye) views show width most clearly. See more rhinoplasty results
Recovery: what to expect week by week
After nostril narrowing alone, most people are back at work in about 5–7 days. With bridge or tip work it is typically 7–10 days; the final shape takes about a year. Timings are typical, not guaranteed.
| When | What happens | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nose feels blocked; mild pain controlled with tablets; splint on | Rest with head raised; usually home the next day |
| Days 2–5 | Swelling and bruising around the eyes peak, then fade | Short walks; no bending or lifting |
| Day 7 | Splint and any stitches removed | See your nose for the first time; still swollen |
| Days 10–14 | Most bruising gone | Back to work and social life |
| Weeks 3–4 | Swelling keeps falling | Light exercise |
| Week 6 | Bones are stable | Gym, swimming, glasses resting on the nose |
| Month 3 | About 80% of swelling gone | Nose looks natural to others |
| Month 12 | Tip swelling fully settled | Final result; review photos |
Specific to nose and nostril narrowing:
- After nostril narrowing, the stitches inside the nostril dissolve or are removed at about a week
- Avoid stretching the nostrils (for example with cotton buds) for 2 weeks
Dubai-specific tips: avoid direct sun and the beach for 4–5 weeks, use SPF on the nose, and plan around Ramadan fasting and the summer heat. International patients: plan a minimum stay of 7–8 days in Dubai before flying home.
Risks, and how they are reduced
Every operation carries risk. These are the ones that matter most for this problem, and how they are reduced.
| Risk | What it means | How it is reduced |
|---|---|---|
| Nostril scars | A fine scar inside the nostril; rarely a notch or slight narrowing of the opening | Incisions kept inside the nostril where possible; careful closure |
| Over-narrowing | Nostrils that look pinched, or narrowed nostril openings | Measured, conservative excision |
| Nostril asymmetry | One side slightly different after healing | Measuring both sides; small corrections if needed |
| Palpable bone edges | A small step felt along the bridge after osteotomies | Controlled osteotomy technique |
| Bleeding or infection | Uncommon; usually minor | Stop blood-thinning medicines and supplements before surgery; sterile, accredited theatre |
| Prolonged swelling | Especially with thick skin; the tip settles last | Taping, and steroid injections when needed |
| Numbness, scarring, asymmetry | Temporary tip numbness; a fine scar with the open approach; minor asymmetry | Explained at consultation |
| Breathing changes | Rarely, breathing feels worse | Assess the airway before surgery; keep or add support to the nasal valves |
| Need for revision | A second, usually smaller, operation | Realistic planning and staged follow-up |
| Anaesthesia risks | Rare in healthy patients | Pre-operative tests; certified anaesthetist |
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Smoking, some medicines and certain medical conditions increase risk.
How much does wide nose surgery cost in Dubai?
The fee for wide nose surgery depends on what needs to change, whether grafts are needed, and whether it is a first or revision operation. You receive a written, itemised quote after consultation.
What changes the price:
- Nostrils only, or bridge and tip as well
- Local or general anaesthesia
- Whether breathing surgery is combined
- Primary vs revision surgery
For context, rhinoplasty in Dubai generally ranges from about AED 15,000 to AED 65,000. Payment options are available on request.
Why choose Dr Sanjay Parashar in Dubai?
- Nostril narrowing with incisions kept inside the nostril where possible, to avoid an artificial look
- Narrowing matched to your heritage rather than to a template
- 3,000+ rhinoplasties within more than 40,000 aesthetic procedures
- Practising in Dubai since 2005 — founder of Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation (Dubai 2009, New Delhi 2013)
- ISAPS National Secretary for the UAE (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
- Member of the Rhinoplasty Society of Europe
- Experience with many nose types: Arab, Persian, South Asian, African, East Asian and European
- Published papers, conference presentations and surgical workshops
- Languages: English, Hindi; Arabic via coordinator
Frequently asked questions
Will the nostril scars show?
Can nostril narrowing be done without full rhinoplasty?
Will narrowing my nose affect breathing?
Can a wide nose be made narrow without looking operated?
Will there be visible scars?
How painful is it, and when can I go back to work?
When can I fly home after surgery?
What is the right age for rhinoplasty?
How do I prepare for my consultation?
Related nose problems
Book your wide nose consultation
Every nose is different. At your consultation Dr Sanjay examines the outside and inside of your nose, explains what is causing the wide nose, and gives you a clear plan, cost and recovery timeline.
Cocoona Clinic · Lucia Clinic · Dubai London Hospital
References
- Rohrich RJ, Novak M, Chiodo MV, et al. Beyond alar base resection: contouring of the alar rim and base. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;152(6):1236–1245. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000010749
- Rohrich RJ, Krueger JK, Adams WP Jr, Hollier LH Jr. Achieving consistency in the lateral nasal osteotomy during rhinoplasty: an external perforated technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;108(7):2122–2130. doi:10.1097/00006534-200112000-00051
- Rohrich RJ, Adams WP Jr. The boxy nasal tip: classification and management based on alar cartilage suturing techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107(7):1849–1863. doi:10.1097/00006534-200106000-00034
- Parashar S, Venkataram A. Structured analysis of nose to achieve natural results in rhinoplasty. Otolaryngology (Sunnyvale). 2017;7(1):293. doi:10.4172/2161-119X.1000293