How to correct nasal tip show (excessive nostril show)

Generally, nostril exposure may be caused by genetic factors, aging, habitual facial expressions, rosacea, or vestibular rhinitis. It can be corrected through treatments such as alar cartilage plastic surgery, nasal tip elevation surgery, general therapy, or medication. The specific explanations are as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

If there is a family history of a tendency toward nostril exposure, an individual may develop relatively exposed nostrils due to genetic factors. Under a doctor's guidance, alar cartilage plastic surgery can be performed to adjust the shape and position of the alar cartilage to improve nostril exposure. The doctor will perform precise procedures on the alar cartilage, such as folding, suturing, or partial removal, to enhance the support of the alar cartilage and make the nasal tip and alar structures more harmonious, thereby reducing the degree of nostril exposure. The general reference price for alar cartilage plastic surgery is 8,000–20,000 RMB per session. Improvement is usually visible within 3–6 months after surgery, but symptoms such as redness and pain may occur.

2. Aging

With age, changes occur in the facial bones, muscles, and soft tissues. The nasal cartilage may gradually lose elasticity and become loose, while the surrounding skin and fat tissues may sag. This soft tissue sagging and weakened cartilage support can alter the shape of the nostrils, leading to nostril exposure. Under a doctor's guidance, nasal tip elevation surgery can be performed, using autologous cartilage or prosthetic materials to raise the nasal tip and increase its projection. Elevating the nasal tip can visually cover the nostrils and improve the appearance of nostril exposure. The general reference price for nasal tip elevation surgery is 10,000–30,000 RMB per session. Improvement is usually visible within 3–5 months after surgery, but symptoms such as local redness and infection may occur.

3. Facial Expression Habits

Repeatedly making exaggerated facial expressions over a long period, such as excessive laughing, frowning, or pouting, can cause frequent contraction and stretching of the muscles around the nose. This repetitive muscle movement may lead to imbalances in nasal muscle strength, affecting the normal positional relationship between nasal cartilage and soft tissues, causing changes in nostril shape and resulting in exposure. It is advisable to avoid exaggerated facial expressions as much as possible and perform facial muscle relaxation exercises, such as gently massaging the muscles around the nose along the muscle fibers to relieve muscle tension and reduce the risk of nostril exposure caused by habitual expressions.

4. Rosacea

Rosacea is mainly associated with follicle mite infection, excessive sebaceous gland secretion, and genetic factors. The nasal skin's blood vessels dilate, sebaceous glands proliferate, the skin gradually thickens, and inflammatory reactions occur. Inflammatory stimulation causes nasal tissue swelling and deformation, with significant soft tissue proliferation at the nasal tip, which can push the nostrils upward and cause exposure. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as papules and pustules. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as metronidazole gel, azelaic acid cream, and doxycycline tablets can be used for treatment.

5. Nasal Vestibulitis

Nasal vestibulitis is mainly caused by repeated irritation of the nasal vestibule skin by nasal secretions or damage to the nasal vestibule skin due to bad habits such as picking the nose or plucking nasal hair, allowing bacterial invasion and inflammation. It may cause nasal vestibule skin congestion, swelling, and erosion. As the condition progresses, swollen skin may pull the surrounding nasal tissues, potentially altering the shape of the nostrils and causing exposure. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as pain and itching. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as mupirocin ointment, loratadine tablets, and amoxicillin capsules for treatment.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo the above procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure surgical safety and effectiveness. Postoperative care should include keeping the wound clean and dry, avoiding external impact to the nose, following medical instructions for medication and follow-up visits, maintaining a light diet, and ensuring adequate rest to promote recovery.