Is Nose Job the Only Answer for a Bulbous "Golf Ball" Nose?

Surgical rhinoplasty is really the only meaningful way to properly reshape a bulbous nasal tip. Non-surgical rhinoplasties are not appropriate for reshaping a tip configuration like the one depicted in your photograph.

While there are some devices out there on the web that claim to be able to reshape the cartilages of the nose without surgery, they are universally a scam. The nasal tip cartilages can only be permanently altered by cutting and/or suturing...and that requires surgery.

If you do decide to undergo surgery, just be sure to do your research and check out your prospective surgeon's credentials and examples of his/her work.

All the best,

--DCP

The only way to correct a bulbous nose is by a rhinoplasty. The optimal way is through an open approach and using the patient’s own cartilage to surgically reshape the nasal tip using invisible sutures for nasal tip reconstruction.

The appearance of a "ball tip" most commonly arises from the shape of the underlying cartilages. If this is the case, the lower lateral cartilages (tip cartilages) can be trimmed and reshaped either with sutures or with grafts to relieve the excess curvature. A tip rhinoplasty is the most reliable means of acheiving the desired result.

To get a better understanding of what your nose would look like after surgery, your prospective rhinoplasty surgeon should be able to show you before and after computer simulations. Many rhinoplasty surgeons use computer imaging, and recently 3D rhinoplasty imaging has become available. This allows patients to preview how their nose might look after surgery.

 See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who can do subtle, natural changes in the nose without creating an artificial look. There is no other way to do it.

Hi Lack of Confidence,

As far as your nose goes, rhinoplasty is the only method to correct your bulbous tip. You are a good looking, handsome young man, so at least from this "expert" please don't let your nose diminish your self-esteem or confidence.

If your nose continues to trouble you, consult with a few rhinoplasty surgeons before choosing carefully the surgeon you trust to change your nose. A successful rhinoplasty will change your nose, but you will be responsible for your confidence.

Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

The bulbous tip in the photo can be removed through a surgical technique called a tip rhinoplasty. In the majority of patients the entire nose job is done (bridge, nose, and the middle third vault), so that all components of the nose are balanced. Occasionally, we perform only a tip plasty when the remainder of the nose is within balance. There are no injections that can reduce the bulbosity of the nose.