What to do if the alae nasi are too thick

Generally, overly thick alae nasi (nasal wings) may be caused by genetic factors, congenital developmental defects, lifestyle habits, external stimuli, or sinusitis. Treatment options include general management, medication, alar base reduction surgery, minimally invasive liposuction, and injection of botulinum toxin type A, all of which should be conducted under the guidance of a medical professional. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

The thickness of the alae nasi is influenced by genetics. If family members have naturally thicker nasal wings, offspring are more likely to inherit this trait. Visual reduction can be achieved through makeup techniques. Alternatively, alar base reduction surgery can be performed under the supervision of a qualified physician. This surgical procedure adjusts the shape of the nasal wings by removing portions of tissue—including cartilage and skin—and then re-suturing to achieve a narrower appearance. The reference cost ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 yuan per session. Results typically become visible within 1–2 months, though potential complications include infection, bleeding, and scar formation.

2. Congenital Developmental Defects

During embryonic development, the cartilage and skin tissues in the alar region may fail to develop properly. Underdeveloped alar tissues may involve cartilage overgrowth or fat accumulation, leading to thickened nasal wings. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and ensuring sufficient rest may help. Minimally invasive liposuction can be considered under professional medical guidance. This technique involves making small incisions and using liposuction devices to remove excess fat from the alar area. The reference price generally ranges from 5,000 to 9,000 yuan per session, with improvements usually seen within 2–4 weeks. However, risks such as infection, bleeding, and fat embolism may occur.

3. Lifestyle Habits

Long-term poor habits—such as frequent nose-picking—can lead to soft tissue hyperplasia in the alar region, making the nasal wings appear thicker. Improving daily habits and avoiding behaviors like nose-picking is recommended. Injection of botulinum toxin type A under the guidance of a specialist may also be beneficial. This treatment works by injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles around the nasal wings to relax them, thereby reducing tension and achieving a slimming effect. The reference cost is approximately 200 to 3,000 yuan per injection. Improvement is typically noticeable within 7–14 days, although side effects such as pain or bruising at the injection site may occur.

4. External Stimuli

Prolonged exposure to external factors—such as cold, dry air, or ultraviolet radiation—can trigger inflammatory responses and reparative hyperplasia in the nasal wing skin, resulting in thickening. Symptoms may include dryness, sensitivity, redness, and swelling. Treatment may involve topical medications prescribed by a doctor, such as triamcinolone acetonide urea cream, tacrolimus ointment, or butylflufenamate cream.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a common nasal condition characterized by inflammation of one or more sinuses. Inflammation can cause swelling of the skin around the nasal wings, indirectly contributing to their thickening. Associated symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, roxithromycin capsules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets for treatment.

It is recommended to seek care at a reputable medical facility and undergo procedures under the supervision of a qualified physician to ensure both effectiveness and safety. To prevent nasal wing thickening, individuals should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid frequent nose-picking, and minimize exposure to environmental stressors such as cold, dry conditions, and UV radiation that can damage the skin of the nasal wings.