Many people wonder if their nose gets bigger as they get older. This is a common concern, especially as wrinkles and sagging skin starts to occur with age. While the nose does change over time, it does not actually get bigger with age. However, there are some factors that can make it appear larger.
What causes the nose to appear bigger with age?
Here are some of the main reasons the nose may appear larger as you get older:
The nose continues to grow
While the nose does not get significantly bigger with age, it does continue to grow very slowly over time. Research has shown the nose and ears continue growing and elongating as people age. However, this growth is minimal, usually only a fraction of a millimeter per year. The slow growth can start to add up over decades, but it will not cause a dramatic change in nose size.
Loss of collagen and elastin
Collagen and elastin are proteins that help keep skin firm, elastic and tight. As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, which causes skin to lose its elasticity. This loss of elasticity can cause the tip of the nose to droop down slightly, making it appear longer and bigger. The skin on the nose may also appear looser. These changes also contribute to a bumpier nose appearance.
Loss of facial fat
Facial fat pads also start to diminish with age. These fat pads help support and surround nasal structures. As they shrink, nasal structures have less support and can start to sag. This also makes the nose look longer and larger. The thinning fat pads also make bony prominences more visible and pronounced.
Descent of nasal tip
With age, the cartilage at the nasal tip weakens and starts to descend downward. This causes the nasal tip to appear lower and longer. Over time, it makes the nose look larger both in length and width. This process also contributes to elongation of the nose.
Enlargement of nasal pores
The pores on the skin of the nose also tend to get bigger with age. This can make them more visible, creating an irregular surface texture that makes the nose appear bumpy and enlarged.
Do structural changes occur in the nose with age?
While the overall size and structure of the adult nose remains stable, there are gradual changes that occur internally:
Weakening nasal cartilage
The cartilage of the nose, especially in the tip and bridge, slowly weakens over time. This contributes to changes in shape such as descent of the nasal tip and increased bridge convexity. The weakening cartilage cannot provide the same amount of support as it previously did.
Increased size of nasal passages
Research shows the inner nasal passages, including the nasal cavity and sinus openings, actually increase in size and volume as people age. This is thought to be due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin over time.
Thinning nasal skin
The skin of the nose becomes thinner as collagen and elastin levels reduce. Thinner skin is more likely to wrinkle and collapse. This can change the appearance of the nose and make it seem larger. The thinning skin also makes veins under the surface more visible.
Reduced functioning of nasal oil glands
Special oil glands within the skin of the nose secrete oil to keep the nasal skin lubricated. As these glands produce less oil with age, dryness can occur. This also allows crusting and scabbing to form more readily inside the nose, which can block airflow and alter nasal contours.
Is nose growth related to gender or ethnicity?
Some research shows there may be differences in nose growth and aging related to gender and ethnicity. However, more studies are needed to confirm this. Here is what preliminary findings show:
Gender
– Males tend to have larger noses that project more than females. This means the nose may appear to get proportionally larger with age in females simply because it is smaller to begin with.
– Loss of collagen and elastin, as well as hormonal changes after menopause, may cause more dramatic changes in nose size in older females.
Ethnicity
– Individuals from Asian ethnic backgrounds may experience less lengthening of the nose with age.
– Noses of individuals from Caucasian, Hispanic and African backgrounds tend to show more growth in nasal length over time.
– Specific populations like the Zulu in Africa show minimal nose growth with age. Their noses tend to maintain a similar size and projection throughout life.
More studies comparing nose aging across genders and ethnic groups are needed. Genetic and environmental factors also play a role.
Can anything minimize age-related nose changes?
While aging of the nose cannot be prevented entirely, some lifestyle measures may help slow down changes:
Moisturize nasal skin
Regularly applying moisturizer to the skin of the nose and just inside the nasal openings helps keep the tissue hydrated and supple. This reduces dryness, crusting and inflammation.
Wear sun protection
Exposure to UV radiation can damage collagen and accelerate aging. Applying sunscreen helps guard the skin from sun damage.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is linked to faster breakdown of collagen. It will worsen age-related changes like thinning skin.
Avoid allergens
Allergic rhinitis can cause chronic inflammation of nasal tissue and structures. This may contribute to weakening of cartilage. Reducing exposure to allergens can help.
Treat congestion
Chronic nasal congestion puts pressure on nasal structures that may contribute to cartilage weakening over time. Treating allergies and sinus issues can help reduce congestion.
Do facial exercises
Exercises to strengthen the facial muscles around the nose may help support nasal structures and slow sagging. An example is smiling wide to lift the cheeks up high.
Can plastic surgery reverse nose aging?
For those looking to address age-related nose changes, plastic surgery is an option. Some procedures that can modify the nose’s appearance include:
Rhinoplasty
This surgery, often called a nose job, can change the shape, size, angle, bridge height and other features. It involves reshaping the bone and cartilage. It can restore a more youthful appearance.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty
Injectable fillers made of hyaluronic acid can be injected along the bridge, tip or sides to add volume and smooth contours. Results are temporary.
Laser skin resurfacing
Laser energy can remove outer layers of nose skin to improve tone, texture, pores and fine lines. New skin regrows tighter.
Always consult a board certified plastic surgeon when considering cosmetic nose surgery. Realistic goals and expectations will lead to optimal outcomes.
Does nose size impact breathing?
Some people wonder if their nose appearing bigger with age also causes breathing issues. Here is the effect of nose aging on respiratory function:
Tip changes may obstruct airflow
As the nasal tip drops down, it can obstruct the nostrils and limit air intake. The swelling from inflamed nasal tissues can also block airflow.
Reduced airflow through passages
The enlarging nasal passages that occur with age are actually associated with reduced airflow and increased nasal resistance. The reasons for this are being studied but may be related to weakening cartilage.
Allergies and sinus problems develop
With thinner nasal skin and reduced mucus production, people often develop new allergies and sinus problems as they age. Swelling from these conditions can obstruct breathing.
However, some studies show nasal obstruction and airflow limitation remain stable from middle age onward if no nasal condition develops.
| Age | Typical nasal structure and function |
|---|---|
| Young adulthood | Stiff nasal cartilage, strong support, unobstructed airflow |
| Middle age | Early cartilage weakening, mild airflow reduction |
| Senior years | Thin skin, enlarged nasal passages, cartilage loss, sinus issues may obstruct breathing |
Can children’s noses get bigger?
Pediatric noses go through growth phases just like the rest of the face:
Newborn phase – age 1
– The nose begins as a small bump on the center of the face
– Grows rapidly in the first 4-8 weeks as cartilage develops
– Nose projection andbridge increase
Early childhood – age 6
– Growth slows between ages 1-6
– Nose takes on a more triangular appearance
– Nostrils are rounder and nose projection increases
Late childhood – age 12
– Preadolescent growth phase around age 9-12
– Nose elongates, projection increases
– Nostrils become more oval shaped
– Bridge contour becomes more defined
Teenage years
– Most nasal growth occurs here, influenced by puberty
– Sex differences develop – male noses grow bigger
– Teenage nose usually reaches its adult size and shape
The nose can appear disproportionately large at times during childhood as the rest of the face catches up in growth. Parents often worry about a child’s nose size, but it usually becomes more balanced with the other facial features by adulthood.
When does the aging nose become a health problem?
While nose changes are normal with aging, at what point do they become a medical concern?
Breathing problems
Difficulty breathing through the nose, especially at night or with exertion, should be evaluated by a doctor. Enlarged structures obstructing air flow, nasal polyps or a deviated septum may require treatment if severe.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Disrupted breathing during sleep is linked to nose obstruction. Labored breathing, snoring and fatigue are symptoms. Apnea needs medical attention and possibly CPAP therapy.
History of injury
Previous nasal fractures that healed incorrectly can worsen breathing problems later in life as other age-related changes occur. This may require revision rhinoplasty to straighten the nose.
Allergic rhinitis
Ongoing nasal congestion, sinus pressure, postnasal drip and facial pain are signs of chronic rhinitis. This requires allergy testing and treatment to prevent worsening sinus issues over time.
Nasal dryness and crusting
Severely dry nasal cavities prone to bleeding may need regular hydrating nasal sprays and ointments. Saline rinses can also help.
Suspicious lesions
Any growths, ulcers, bleeding or other abnormalities need an exam to check for nasal polyps, infection or possibly cancer. Biopsies are done if warranted.
See a doctor promptly for evaluation of any concerning nasal symptoms that develop with aging. Timely treatment can often help restore better function and breathing.
Conclusion
While the nose elongates slightly and droops with age, it does not actually continue enlarging significantly as we get older. Loss of structural support makes it appear larger. Gender, ethnicity and lifestyle habits may play a role. Talk to a doctor if nose changes interfere with breathing. Procedures like rhinoplasty can recontour the aging nose.