Factors Affecting the Shape of the Nose
We all know that a person’s genetics play a major role in their appearance, which is why children often resemble their parents.
However, the role of environmental factors should not be overlooked, as sometimes their effect is so significant that a child may even appear more attractive than their parents.
For example, nowadays, due to better nutrition, teenagers tend to be taller than their parents. Also, because they are less exposed to sunlight, they are less likely to develop freckles, moles, or other skin blemishes on their faces compared to their parents. There are also various environmental factors that can affect the appearance of the nose, sometimes resulting in children having a better looking nose than their parents.
Below is a brief overview of some factors that influence nose growth.
As a general rule in the human body, any organ that is used more frequently tends to grow more, while parts that are less active tend to shrink. To better understand this, look at the image below.
As shown, a person who did not use their left leg due to polio later in life had a shorter and thinner left leg. This means that not only did the muscles not develop, but the bones of the left leg also did not grow sufficiently.
A similar principle applies to the nose. The growth of the sinuses, nasal cavity, cheeks, upper jaw, teeth, and, in general, the middle part of the face depends on sufficient nasal breathing during childhood and adolescence. If nasal breathing does not occur during growth, it can cause abnormalities in the shape of the nose and face. Below, I explain several proven examples of this.
Complete Nasal Obstruction
If, for any reason, the nose is completely blocked during childhood and the person is unable to breathe through the nose (such as a child with an enlarged adenoid), the nose does not develop properly. As a result, it remains narrow and relatively small. The face of these individuals does not grow adequately in width, and in adulthood, they usually have a long face with flat or non prominent cheeks.
In these individuals, because the upper part of the nose is narrow, the tip of the nose may appear relatively large.
A characteristic feature of such people is that they always keep their mouths open, and their teeth are visible even when they are not smiling or speaking.
Partial Nasal Obstruction
Our nose has muscles that help widen the nostrils. We use these muscles when we need to inhale more air through the nose, for example, during exercise.
If the nose is partially blocked during childhood, and the person is able to overcome the obstruction by repeatedly using the nostril dilating muscles, the frequent and excessive contraction of these muscles over time can cause the lower part of the nose to widen, resulting in very large nostrils.
Contact us via WhatsApp for offline consultation.
Nasal Fracture
A person who suffers a nasal fracture during childhood, even if the fracture is initially minor and unnoticeable, may experience crooked growth of the nasal bones over time. This can ultimately result in a deformed and asymmetrical nose. These issues can be corrected with cosmetic nasal surgery. It is recommended to consult the best rhinoplasty surgeon available, preferably someone with a good track record in facial cosmetic surgery, for aesthetic improvements.
Persistent Blockage of One Nasal Passage
If, during childhood, only one nasal passage is persistently blocked while the other side remains open, this can lead to uneven growth of the nasal cavity and sinuses on the two sides of the face. As a result, one half of the face may become larger or smaller than the other. Although facial asymmetry exists to some degree in almost all healthy individuals, those with this condition display a much more pronounced imbalance.
Nasal Polyps
When the mucous lining inside the nose grows excessively due to allergies or sensitivities, nasal polyps can develop. If these polyps are not treated and continue to grow, they can fill the entire nasal cavity. The pressure they exert on the inner walls of the nose can slowly push the bones outward, causing the nose to widen. This condition is not limited to children; adults can also be affected.
Contact us via WhatsApp for offline consultation.
Diseases Affecting the Shape of the Nose
The factors mentioned above are only some of the environmental influences on nose shape. In summary, all chronic nasal and sinus diseases during childhood can affect the appearance of the nose. Proper treatment of these conditions can help prevent nasal deformities.
1. A child who constantly sleeps with their mouth open
If your child only experiences this during a cold and can normally breathe through the nose on other days, no further examination is needed. However, if they have more than five colds per year, a thorough check up is recommended.
2.A child with persistent watery or purulent nasal discharge from one or both nostrils
3. If an infant or young child has nasal congestion
they may be forced to stop nursing to breathe. Therefore, any infant who is not feeding well should be examined for nasal obstruction.
4. Children who suffer trauma to the nose
These children should be evaluated for nasal fractures. It is important to note that because fractures in children heal quickly, any repositioning of the fracture should be done within 55 days.
5. Children with recurrent tonsil infections
6. Children who frequently experience sinus infections or develop nasal polyps
Dr. Akbar Bayat
Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery from Europe
