Education
Why Do My Nostrils Flare?
Nostril flaring can be a normal response to effort or emotion, or a sign that the nasal airway is working harder than it should. Here is how to tell the difference and when to seek an evaluation.
ABFPRS
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
Overview
Nostril flaring — the outward widening of the nostrils as you breathe — can be completely normal, or it can be a clue that the nasal airway is narrower than it should be. The meaning depends on when it happens and whether breathing feels restricted.
Medically reviewed by Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS — dual board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (Head & Neck Surgery).
Last reviewed: June 2026
An Established Academic Authority
Double board certification. Fellowship director. Published author. A surgeon's surgeon.
ABFPRS
Board Certified
American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
ABOto
Board Certified
American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
AAFPRS
Fellowship Director
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Textbook
Published Author
Contributions to the academic literature of facial plastic surgery
Dual board certification in both Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.
Castle Connolly Top Doctor — Plastic Surgery, 2026Normal flaring
The nostrils naturally widen when the body needs more air — during exercise, exertion, or strong emotion. This is a normal reflex that increases airflow temporarily. Flaring that only appears with effort and settles at rest is generally nothing to be concerned about.
When flaring signals a breathing problem
Flaring at rest, or flaring that comes with a sense of not getting enough air through the nose, can mean the airway is working harder to draw breath. Several anatomical factors can contribute:
- Dynamic collapse of the nasal valve during inhalation, a form of nasal valve collapse.
- Weakness of the external nasal valve or the sidewall, so the nostril is drawn inward with each breath.
- The shape and width of the alar base — the part of the nostril that flares.
- Changes after a prior rhinoplasty that altered support or width.
- Obstruction further inside the nose, prompting the nostrils to compensate.
Cosmetic versus functional
It helps to separate two different questions. One is cosmetic: some people simply have wider nostrils or more visible flaring and would like a more balanced appearance. The other is functional: flaring that accompanies restricted breathing points to an airway issue. The two can overlap, but they are evaluated and addressed differently, and an honest assessment keeps them distinct.
Evaluation and treatment pathways
An examination looks at how the nostril and sidewall behave during breathing and at the internal airway. If a functional cause such as valve collapse is found, treatment focuses on supporting the airway — for example nasal valve collapse treatment. When flaring is part of overall nasal shape and breathing, it may be considered within rhinoplasty or a combined functional procedure such as septorhinoplasty.
What is appropriate depends entirely on the examination rather than the appearance alone. If flaring comes with restricted breathing or you are weighing your options, you can request a consultation.
Frequently Asked
Why Do My Nostrils Flare? — patient questions, honestly answered.
Yes, when it happens with exercise, exertion, or strong emotion and settles at rest. Flaring at rest, or flaring along with a sense of restricted nasal breathing, is more likely to reflect an airway issue and is worth examining.
Not necessarily. It can be a normal reflex. But persistent flaring paired with difficulty breathing through the nose can indicate nasal valve collapse or another form of obstruction, which an examination can clarify.
It depends on the cause. Functional flaring from valve weakness is addressed by supporting the airway; cosmetic width may be considered within rhinoplasty. The right approach is determined in person, not from the appearance alone, and there are no guaranteed outcomes.
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Next step
Plans are individualized. The consultation is where that begins.
Reach the Manhattan office to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mourad.