Rhinoplasty before & after photos
78%
875 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Rhinoplasty Cost $6,300 average cost

I Want a Smaller Nose, but Rhinoplasty Surgeons Suggest Only Minor Changes?

I have been told by one surgeon that if I had nose surgery that he could only make a small change to it. Should I get a second opinion? I have already seen a surgeon elsewhere and liked what he suggested could be done but, I would like it also to be a little smaller. He says that this isn't possible. He says my nose really does not have very much that would be considered abnormal but, I think it is too big.

Look forward to your reply.

Asked 43 months ago by dottie in Surrey
Sort 9 expert answers by:
+4

Getting what you want vs. what is possible...

Without actually examining you, it is difficult to completely answer your questions. To change the shape of your nose, the supporting framework of bone and cartilage is modified, and the overlying skin re-draped. The skin plays a vital role in the final result – if it is very thick, even the most refined sculpting of the supporting framework may be hidden, and the results disappointing. In cases of reduction rhinoplasty, you have to be careful of how much the framework is reduced,... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+3

First of all, there's certainly nothing wrong with a...

First of all, there's certainly nothing wrong with a second opinion, as it's always important to find a surgeon that you are comfortable with. When it comes to rhinoplasty, smaller does not necessarily equal better. The key is to balance not only the aesthetic units of the nose with each other but also the nose to the face as a whole. With this in mind, just making the nose smaller or shorter may take away from the overall shape of the nose and its relationship to the face. The bottom... more
Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Commissioning a piece of sculpture

As my colleagues have mentioned, there are many reasons why someone's nose cannot or should not be made as small as they'd want. Skin thickness and cartilage strength are two of the primary structural reasons that may limit the amount of change possible. Aesthetic considerations--how the nose would look in proportion of the rest of the face--are other considerations. Here's a helpful tip, I think: consider a rhinoplasty consultation as if you're commissioning a piece of sculpture. By that I... more
David C. Pearson, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Do what is necessary and nothing more

Plastic surgeons often discuss with their patients maintaining their “facial harmony” when exploring various rhinoplasty options. By this, it’s important to consider maintaining the overall symmetry and proportion of your nose with the rest of your facial characteristics. It is my opinion that putting a nose back into such a harmonious relationship with the rest of the face is often more attractive than creating a “new” nose. There are anatomic restrictions... more
Jeffrey D. Hoefflin, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Wanting Your Nose to Be Smaller

Dottie, it is difficult to give an accurate response to this question without at least seeing what your nose looks like. One possibility is that the second rhinoplasty surgeon you consulted with simply did not feel that your nose would benefit from additional reshaping. Another scenario is that your skin is relatively thick. If this is the case, it is unlikely that the surgeon could make the nose significantly smaller without risking a lack of definition in the final result. If the... more
John M. Hilinski, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

What you want for Rhinoplasty may not be the best

Rhinoplasty is an art. It is hard to tell you what to do without seeing your photos and/or examining you. You will always find a surgeon who will tell you what you want to hear, but it may not always be the correct thing to do. If they have very diffferent opinions, then I would possibly conside seeing a third one to see which two suggest the similar treatment.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Smaller doesn't always mean Better

In rhinoplasty shape matters more than size. Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons may promise you a more subtle change in size for a number of reasons: You may have thick skin which will limit the degree of size reduction as it will not conform to a smaller size framework You may have weak cartilages that cannot be further reduced in size without causing collapse of the nose You may have internal nasal problems such as septal deviation and nasal valve collapse which would put you at more risk... more
Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is very often the case that patients dislike their...

It is very often the case that patients dislike their noses more than they should and percieve problems with them that are really very minimal. They will frequently say "I've always hated my nose!" In these cases, the surgeon should be very honest and try to redirect the expectations of these patients to accept a conservative and natural change in their nose. Certainly, you should seek multiple opinions but if other well-qualified doctors are telling you the same thing, please... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

A thorough evaluation of your nose will place the size...

A thorough evaluation of your nose will place the size and shape of the nose in the context of the other features of your face. It may be that your nose does 'fit' your face, but that your attention is directed only to your nose. I would suggest asking your plastic surgeon to comment on the size and shape of your nose as it relates to your face as a whole. Your hair style, makeup application and seasonal skin coloration may also affect your perception of the size of your nose. These issues... more
Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.