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Is It Possible to Fix Wide, Pig-like Nose?

asked 2 years ago by changenose in Los Angeles
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 3,231 times
Tags: nostrils, Asian, bump, low bridge, pig-like

Most of the Rhinoplasty before and after photos involve people with a bump on their nose bridge or with noses that are too tall.

I'm Asian and my nose bridge is low and short and my actualy nose is wide and round. Most people's nostrils can be seen from the side, but mine can't. They show up in front, making it look pig-like. I haven't seen any before and after photos of people' with noses like mine, so I don't know if it can be fixed.

13 answers to Is It Possible to Fix Wide, Pig-like Nose?

How to fix a wide and flat nose

The nose you describe is typical of many asian patients. However, many different patients of varied ethnicities have issues like the ones you describe. African american, Latin American, Filipino, and many other ethnicities can have this type of architecture. A 'narrow' nose is one which has deep shadows along the sides of the nose and a nice highlight in the center. In order to provide this, the nose has to have a certain height. If the nose is too flat, then it gets washed out and does not... more

Richard W. Westreich, MD
Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty for wide nose

Hi Changenose, What you are describing is not uncommon. The "bridge" of your nose needs augmentation, rather than reduction as in most rhinoplasties. The tip also needs more projection. All these things can be accomplished with harvesting cartilages from yourself (nose, ear), as is done in many Asian noses.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty in Asian with Wide Nose, Porcine Like Nostrils

Hi Change, It is possible to improve the appearance of your wide nose and unattractive(ly described at least) nostrils. An experienced and skilled rhinoplasty surgeon will be able to diagnose your deformity after examining your nose, and then explain to you what you can expect from corrective rhinoplasty. Do choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Hi, Your nose probably falls in the Ethnic rhinoplasty category. Most before and after are of Caucasions but ethnic rhinoplasty is a growing subspecialty. You may find similar features in some of my African American patients. Best, Dr.S.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facechange.org

Asian rhinoplasty

Yes, your nose can be fixed. The degree of change which would be possible depends on your anatomy and your goals. Asian noses often have low dorsums (where a bump is usually found on many people), which may require a graft. In addition, the tip is usually broad, and this can be refined by suturing cartilage together. In Los Angeles, you should be able to find a plastic surgeon or ENT who has experience with Asian noses, and who could show you photographs during the consultation. Be... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Asian noses require grafts

In order to improve your nose appearance you will need a graft to augment your nasal bridge. The tip cartilages will require some adjustment and manipulation to provide the proper support and orientation. A strut graft may be needed in the columella. Make sure to explain to your surgeon the type of changes you want and make sure he or she understands what you have said. Good communication is essential in planning a successful rhinoplasty result. Best Wishes. Dr. Peterson...

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Almost anything can be fixed

See a competent plastic surgeon with nasal experience. We do narrow nasal tips. You are correct, many Asians have small bridges and wide tips. Things can be done for them.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Wide, pig-like nose can be fixed

Hi, Yes, that can be fixed. It is an augmentative rhinoplasty. Many doctors take the quick route and use implants but using natural cartilage material is a better way of refining your nose. While yours is a primary rhinoplasty, many patients who have had over aggressive previous rhinoplasty and ended up with short, upturned noses undergo similar procedures. Do lots of research and find a VERY skilled surgeon. Your nose is not the average "bread and butter" rhinoplasty. more

Shervin Naderi, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Wide, Round Nose with Low Bridge

Working in Los Angeles, we see many noses with the physical characteristics you describe. Using the patient's own tissue we can augment the nose to increase projection and definition. Share your goals with an experienced nasal surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty to address wide pig-like nose

It is impossible to give a consultation regarding your Asian rhinoplasty without seeing your pictures. If your nostrils are showing from the front, the nose tip can be brought down to prevent the pig-like appearance. A low bridge on the Asian nose can be augmented with a silicone silastic implant. The width and roundness will decrease as the height of the bridge is increased.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Asian rhinoplasty

There are a variety of options. As you have stated the majority of caucasian noses undergo reduction rhinoplasty (reduced size) whereas you are describing an augmentation rhinoplasty enlarged size). This frequently necesstitates grafts which may require a rib or ear carilage donor site.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You can lower your nostrils on the front view with a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty.

It is difficult to obtain significant tip narrowing and projection in some Asian noses. This is usually due to thick skin, and relatively weak tip cartilages. Your septal cartilage may be short and weak as well which is limiting when grafts are considered to refine, and project your tip. You should consult several board-certified, experienced Rhinoplasty specialists with many photos if you'd like to proceed with a nose job. Would you be happy if your nostrils were lowered on your front... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Asian noses with a low bridge and a round tip can be improved

There is no such thing as a "typical" Asian nose. However, a more common finding is a low bridge and soft high nasal tip. This can be improved by placing a small implant on the bridge. More tip definition is achieved by strengthening the tip cartilages with sutures and grafts with cartilage from your own septum. These maneuvers can also make the nostrils less visible from the front. It is important to create subtle changes so the nose still maintains its ethnicity. more