Flared Nostrils: Size Matters to Your Face

Not too long ago, our founder, Dr George Marcells, was asked to write an article about flared nostrils for a national magazine. Dr Marcells is considered the “master” of rhinoplasty here in Australia and is a frequently quoted expert. In the article, he talks into detail about the ins and outs of nostrils that are disproportionate to the size of a person’s nose.

We’ve used that article as a springboard for today’s post. You’ll find basic info about this common nose complaint, as well as quotes from Dr Marcells himself about what it takes to turn an unappealing “flared nostril” into a beautiful “nostril with flare.”

Dr Marcells Knows the Nose

It’s understandable a media outlet would contact Dr Marcells for his opinion. “In my years of performing this type of surgery, I have constantly analysed my results to achieve the best outcomes,” he says. “My practice has evolved from performing primary rhinoplasty for cosmetic and functional reasons. “

Today, it includes revision procedures to reconstruct noses after an injury or previous nose surgery that ended badly.

Flares: An Equal Opportunity Concern

“Large nostrils can be a major concern for both men and women,” says Dr Marcells. “They can make a person feel self-conscious about their appearance.” That lack of self-esteem can greatly inhibit a person’s social interaction and lead to problems like these:

• Hesitancy to date
• Discomfort in social settings
• Too nervous to ask for a pay rise
• Inability to stand up for oneself

Fortunately, there is help for flared nostrils, and it starts with Dr Marcells and his techniques for structured tip refinement. Dr Marcells favours this technique because it

• Involves minimal removal of cartilage to stabilise the nasal tip
• Prevents and corrects nostril rim retraction
• Uses patient’s own cartilage as a graft to restore a natural nostril shape

“These techniques not only correct the nostril deformities in revision surgery, they also prevent them from occurring in the first place after primary rhinoplasty,” explains Dr Marcells.

What Is a Flared Nostril

A flared nostril is not the same as a nostril that flares. A nostril that “flares” assumes a wide shape when air is forced out and then returns to its normal shape. A “flared nostril” appears enlarged when your face is at rest.

The outer alar margin and sidewall of the nose are constructed out of fibro-fatty soft tissue. “People with thicker alar don’t have thicker cartilage; it’s an abundance of fibro-fatty tissue,” explains Dr Marcells. “The excess tissue can create a wider or more ‘flared’ appearance to the nasal base.”

“Flared nostrils may be a hereditary trait and are common to a range of ethnic groups including Asians, Africans, and Aborigines,” says Dr Marcells. “Some consider their unique nasal configuration to be a sign of connectedness to their heritage.”

For others, there’s rhinoplasty.

Talking Nose to Nose with Dr Marcells

The decision to change your nose is exciting, but also frightening. You should know, however, that for the vast majority of people, rhinoplasty for flared nostrils is a positive, ego-boosting experience. We invite you to contact our Edgecliff practice to schedule a consultation with Dr Marcells.