In my experience, there are standard areas on the face that people tend to treat. Usually they worry about the lines between their brows, on their forehead and around their eyes. But I want to talk about one of the lesser-known uses for Botox (or any botulinum toxin like Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau): slimming the nostrils and giving the nasal tip a subtle lift. Yep — you can tweak your nose shape without filler or surgery. But before you book your next appointment, let’s break down what this treatment actually is, who it’s right for, and what you can realistically expect.
First Things First: How Does Botox Even Work Here?
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily relaxing muscles, which is why it’s typically used for things like softening forehead lines or minimizing frown lines. But when it comes to the nose, we’re targeting specific muscles that flare the nostrils or pull the nasal tip downward.
Two key muscles at play here:
- Dilator naris: A muscle that helps flare the nostrils — relaxing this can make nostrils appear less wide or “slimmer.”
- Depressor septi nasi: A small muscle that pulls the nasal tip downward when you smile or talk — relaxing this one can help lift the tip slightly and reduce that “droopy tip” effect.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
This treatment is definitely for the subtle tweak crowd — you’re not going to see earth-shattering changes in this area. Think micro-adjustments, not major transformations.
You’re likely a good candidate if:
- You notice nostril flaring when you smile or talk
- Your nasal tip droops or pulls down when you smile
- You’re looking for a non-surgical, temporary fix
- You have realistic expectations — this is not a rhinoplasty
It’s not for you if you’re hoping to dramatically change the shape or structure of your nose. This is more of a refined enhancement, not a reshaping procedure.
How Many Units Are Typically Used?
- Nostril Slimming (Dilator Naris): Usually 2–4 units each side
- Nasal Tip Lift (Depressor Septi Nasi): Around 4 units, depending on anatomy
That’s a very small amount, which makes this a low-commitment, low-risk entry point into aesthetic tweaks.
Injection Technique (In Professional Hands Only)
The injector will:
- For nostril slimming, place a small amount of toxin near the lateral aspect of the nose, near where the dilator naris activates.
- For the nasal tip lift, the toxin is injected just below the nasal septum (base of the nose), targeting the depressor septi nasi.
It’s a quick procedure — you’ll be in and out in less than 10 minutes.
How Long Does It Last?
- Results usually kick in around 3–7 days, with full results by day 14.
- Effects typically last 2 to 3 months for most people.
- You’ll likely need touch-ups every season to maintain the result.
Side Effects and What to Watch Out For
Although it’s a low-dose treatment, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Mild bruising or swelling at the injection site
- Asymmetry, especially if too much toxin is used or placed inaccurately
- Rarely, over-injection can affect upper lip movement (if it spreads)
- It can also cause a very subtle speech change or smile change, though this is rare.
Final Thoughts
If you’re already doing neurotoxin in other areas, this is a cool little add-on — especially if you’ve always felt self-conscious about nostril flaring or your nose tip dipping when you smile. But like all micro-tweaks, it’s about subtle enhancement, not a massive transformation. Also, pro tip: document your before and afters (even a smiling selfie!) so you can really see the difference, because this one is subtle but satisfying.
Also Read: 6 Uncommon But Effective Areas To Treat With Botox
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