Can Rhinoplasty refine a thick nose?

I've always thought my nose is too big and "meaty." Recently, a friend said my nose also "lacks shape" and looks like "a mound of meat on my face" -- sounds kind of disgusting. I guess there are more unappealing things about my nose that I haven't noticed. What's wrong with my nose? Can Rhinoplasty help me fix these problems? What needs to be done?

Can Rhinoplasty refine a thick nose?
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8 answers to “Can Rhinoplasty refine a thick nose?”

A: Thick skin can be reason for thick nose

William Portuese, MD

Rhinoplasty surgery is not performed for thick skin on the nose; it is not a skin operation. The skin is lifted up, the bone and the cartilage is sculpted, and the skin is placed back down. Thick skin will obscure refinement in the nose after a rhinoplasty. The skin cannot be thinned down. The thickest... more

A: Rhinoplasty and steroids

Steven Wallach, MD

 Rhinoplasty to define the tip and lower third in thick skinned patients is very difficult.  I would not recommend thinning the soft tissue under the skin any more than what is resting on the lower cartilages when doing an open rhinoplasty.  Thinning the soft tissue may cause indentations.... more

A: Thinning the tissue under the skin can help

Toby G. Mayer, MD

Thinning of the subcutaneous tissue can give minimal changes in your type of nose. Patients who have this surgery are often not happy because the expect a thin skinned nose and this can't be done. Your nose looks good the way if is. It can be made to look smaller by doing a chin implant to balance your face.... more

A: Involves tricky surgery, see an experienced surgeon

George J. Beraka, MD

To JustMaybe, Hi! The lower part of your nose and the tip of your nose can be made more defined and "sculptured" with internal sutures and grafts. Since this is something you have thought about for a while, go ahead. But this is tricky surgery, and the correction of the "ethnic" nose... more

A: Rhinoplasty is not uncommon for Asian patients

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Justmaybe, I do see patients in the Chicago area of all ethnic backgrounds and rhinoplasty is a common request, second to upper eyelid procedures in patients of Asian descent. As I viewed your pictures you look very plesant and attractive and I don't see anything really wrong with your nose. It is... more

A: Be careful what you wish for

Robert M. Freund, MD

I had a patient who had an ethnic nose come asking to look like someone not of their ethnicity. Typically, the media glorifies the small petite nose of the caucasian starlets. After the patient received the procedure, her family and church responded in a negative fashion because she lost part of her ethnic... more

A: Your nose looks perfectly natural. Rhinoplasty can change the shape if you wish.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Dear JustMaybe, I think your nose looks perfectly natural and normal. I think your friend was beeing rude and inappropriate. You have a very pleasing normal Asian face with nice features. Rhinoplasty can be done but reducing the thickness of the skin is impossible. Cartilage grafts can be used to build up the... more

A: Yes, Rhinoplasty can

Darrick E. Antell, MD

Yes, rhinoplasty can refine your nose.  You should discuss your particular concerns with your surgeon and he/she will explain what may be achieved.  Good luck !

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