Is It Possible to Reduce the Nostrils on a Big Bulbous Nose??

Question

Hi, I'm a female, mid 20's, & have wanted a rhinoplasty for awhile! My main issue is that it's just too big for my face! Specifically, I'd like the profile brought down to reduce projection. I'd also like to reduce the bulbous tip. Lastly, I'd like to reduce the nostrils (they are huge!). I used photoshop to show changes I'd like to see but are these realistic & can I bring these to a doctor to show him what I desire? Are the nostril reduction expectations realistic? (thinned/narrowed) Thanks!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Through alarplasty incisions at the base of the ala the overall size of the nostrils are reduced.  The bulbousness of the nasal tip is best treated with a combination of both cartilage removal and suturing of the tip cartilages to narrow, refine, and feminize the nasal tip.  In addition, thick skin will have to be trimmed a little bit so as to give more definition to the tip and super tip area.  Close follow up with cortisone injections will also be needed as part of the postoperative regimen to prevent a pollybeak or fluid retention buildup in the super tip area of the nose.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes.  It is called alar base reduction.  This can be performed within the nostrils and the incisions hidden or in the crease between the nose and the cheek.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

Yes, you describe problems that we deal with everyday.  I tend to not like photoshop programs as much as some other doctors and even patients. I think it is more valuable to see before and after pictures of patients with similar features to you to try to get a feel for how the surgeon deals with these problems.  The after pictures are actually results that your surgeon has attained. 

	Good luck!

	Vargas Face and Skin Center

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

From your photos you do seem to show reasonable goals. Tip skin thickness is the main limiting factor when reducing the size of the nose. An exam would help verify your goals, but certainly refining your bridge and narrowing your nostrils is possible. With refining the tip one must be careful not to overdo it at the expense of hindering your nasal breathing.

	You should certainly bring your morphed photos to your consultation as they would be very helpful during the discussion with the surgeon.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

I think your goals are very realistic and the changes that you demonstrated on the imaging are fairly attainable. Reducing the projection and narrowing the nostril base (alar base reduction) would certainly help to give you a nose which is more balanced with the rest of your face. Reducing the bulbous nature of the tip is achievable, however, with thicker skin, you will have to be reasonable with the amount of definition that will be produced and will also have to wait at least 8 to 12 months to see the final results as this subtle healing take quite a long time.

	Make sure to find someone experienced in your area, and good luck!

	-Dr. Jamil Asaria

Is It Possible to Reduce the Nostrils on a Big Bulbous Nose??

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Is It Possible to Reduce the Nostrils on a Big Bulbous Nose??

Answers (19)

Answer: Reducing nostril width on a bulbous nose

Answer: Reducing nostril width on a bulbous nose

Answer: Nostril Reduction

Answer: Nostril Reduction

Answer: Rhinoplasty Preoperative Decisions

Answer: Rhinoplasty Preoperative Decisions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Answer: Realistic rhinoplasty results

Answer: Realistic rhinoplasty results

Answer: Rhinoplasty reducing size and narrowing nostrils

Answer: Rhinoplasty reducing size and narrowing nostrils

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.