Is it Possible to Narrow Nose W/ Short Nasal Bones? (photo) Doctor Answers, Tips
Rhinoplasty: Q&A
Ask a Question

Is it Possible to Narrow Nose W/ Short Nasal Bones? (photo)

I'm interested in narrowing my wide nose & fixing my tip. I've not had previous surgery. The first surgeon I consulted, a general PS, expressed that my nose was abnormal & he felt uncomfortable performing on me. (He subsequently referred me to an out-of-town rhinoplasty specialist). Apparently, my nose is mostly cartilage - even the upper 1/3. The pictures provided outline my "nasal bones." Outside the line = bone. Inside = cartilage. Considering this, what advice do you have? Any concerns?

13 Doctor Answers | Asked by Texas4444 in Texas
+1

Possible to narrow nose w/short nasal bones

It is certainly possible to narrow short nasal bones by performing both medial and lateral osteotomies. Look for a rhinoplasty specialist who has extensive experience in the field of rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and the short nasal bone should not be a problem.
+2

Rhinoplasty is generally successful for all anatomic situations.

Hi Aly157: The photographs you submitted are quite interesting and helpful, and indeed you have a disproportionate amount of cartilage in your nose versus bone. However, the principles are the same: You need to have a reduction rhinoplasty in which some of the cartilage is removed, allowing the nose to narrow. Typically in this case, it is the upper lateral cartilages that must be dealt with, since that tissue is occupying the midsection of the nose. At the... more
+2

Short nasal bones

Short nasal bones, thick skin, excess width, poor projection etc. are all problems that experienced rhinoplasty surgeon deal with on a regular basis. You can have a nice result if you see someone with experience and comfort using a variety of techniques, not someone who does the same procedure on every patient. The surgeon you saw should be complemented for referring you on to someone with a greater interest in rhinoplasty. Don't obsess about your anatomy, let your surgeon decide how to... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Searching for Doctors - Houston, TX

Just found this forum. I have been wanting surgery for since middle school. I turned 30...

Before + After Photos

View 3524 Rhinoplasty photos
+2

Is it Possible to Narrow Nose W/ Short Nasal Bones?

Until I examined you or see a CT scan of your nose, it would be hard to believe this diagnosis! Even if this is true, rhinoplasty can be done. The principle of this procedure is the same. You do have a nice profile except for your tip, so, the dorsum need not be reduced too much. If the concern is with lateral osteotomy, spreader grafts will stabilize the upper nasal vault.
+1

Rhinoplasty

Your posted photos show a typical thick skinned, wide bridge nose with a polybeak due a bit of excess septal cartilage at the lower front aspect of the cartilage. You say the general plastic surgeon referred to a rhinoplasty specialist because of anatomical concerns but you do not say if you saw the specialist or what he/she said. The nasal bones are considered short when the lower edge is less than half the distance from the radix to the septal angle. The outer lower ends of the lines... more
+1

Your nasal bones are probably longer than you think, and you may be a candidate for nasal narrowing with Rhinoplasty Surgery.

I read your concerns and reviewed your photos: I doubt that the outline you drew on your nose is accurate. Only an examination could determine the extent of your nasal bones, but I doubt your entire nasal bridge is cartilaginous. Consider consulting several rhinoplasty specialists to see what you might expect to achieve after well-performed Rhinoplasty Surgery. My hunch is that you might achieve adequate narrowing and tip refinement. I hope this is helpful. Dr. Joseph more
+1

Rhinoplasty in Patient with Short Nasal Bones

With all due respect, while doing rhinoplasty for over 35 years I have seen patients with short nasal bones, but in your picture your markings suggest there is basically an absence of nasal bones. This is extremely unlikely - I've never seen this. With short nasal bones grafts must be used to maintain support of the middle 1/3rd of your nose.You need to be evaluated by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.
+1

Rhinoplasty

It is certainly possible to perform a rhinoplasty on your nose. I thinhk that you have to be realistic with expectations because at least from the photos, your nasal tip and tissues appear wide. An exam in person is cirtical.
+1

Is it Possible to Narrow Nose W/ Short Nasal Bones?

I have performed Rhinoplasty and complicated Revision Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and I'm not sure that your nasal bones are indeed as you have outlined them. Even with short nasal bones, the nose can be narrowed, so this may be a moot point. It rather becomes a matter of "what technique" is best to accomplish the desired goal. Closed Rhinoplasty with medial and lateral osteotomies and Tip Plasty to thin the nasal tip would be required IMHO. more
+1

Revision rhinoplasty for the wide nose.

Revision rhinoplasty for the wide nose can be done even if you have short nasal bones. The bridge, mid vault and tip can be narrowed and properly supported even if you have underdeveloped nasal bones. For 35 years I have done noses like yours with the open approach which allows the surgeon to have a better view of the problems and suture grafts in place, etc.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok