Is it possible to tighten up the nose using a simple procedure (thus making the nose appear very slightly smaller and the nostrils less flaired)? I would like to avoide reshaping cartlidge and/or breaking bones in the nose, as I believe this always look unatural.

Hi. You can get some opinions from a consultation from a good plastic surgeon. See what a couple of them have to say, and then you can decide about your options. I think they can do many different things today. The most important thing is the right doctor who does all kinds of rhinoplasty. Take your time and research this.

The procedure you describe is called an alar reduction. A small section of tissue is excised from the nostril at the angle of the base of the nose and sutured in the angle to hide the tiny scar.