Can I have rhinoplasty done without breaking the bone? (Photo)

Question

My nose isn't that wide but the tip of my nose (the cartilage part) is big and kind of unsymmetrical and droops down a bit, the bone part of my nose is actually okay it has a very small little bump but other than that it's fine, I was wondering how much would it cost if I just want to have rhinoplasty done on the cartilage parts of my nose, without breaking the bone, or is that even possible? Thanks!

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

After reviewing your photos, your nose can be very challenging as you have very thick nasal skin.  I always give my patients relatable analogies:1. The thickness of nasal skin is extremely important to the outcome of a rhinoplasty.  Imagine throwing a silk sheet over a chair.  Even thought the chair is covered, you know that it's a chair, because of the shape, the height and width, etc.  Now, try throwing a thick, down comforter over the chair.  You may not even recognize that it's a chair.  This is very similar to nasal skin; thin skin will show every detail while thick skin will not.2. Once you remove a bump from the bridge of the nose, osteotomies are necessary.  Imagine lying down that the nose is shaped like a tent that is shaped like a triangle that draws upward to a point.  Now if you cut 2 feet off of the top of the tent, the peak is no longer narrow and in order to close the top of the tent you would have to push the sides in place to recreate that triangle's peak.  This is exactly what happens with the nose and removing a bump.I recommend seeking out a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who will accurately examine your nose, create a realistic "simulation" that would allow you to see what your nose COULD look like, and formulate a reasonable and realistic plan tailored to your wishes.  Good luck!

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

You would not necessarily need to break the nose.  What you need is more tip projection and perhaps an augmentation to the bridge of the nose.  A consultation would help you better understand your options.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This can, but shouldn't, be done. You would really compromise your result by not straightening and narrowing your nasal bridge. I think you would actually be more unhappy with your nose after surgery without osteotomies than before. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately the nasal bones need to be narrowed after hump removal otherwise you'll end up with a wide flat bridge. See a very experienced surgeon who does very natural noses. Do not rely on imagery but rather actual results.

Clyde Mathison, MD · Answer

Based on the pictures, I do not think your nasal bones would have to be broken if you underwent a rhinoplasty. You would most benefit from tip elevation and refinement.  This can be done via an open or closed approach.  It is likely that your dorsum would not have to be changed, but a full nasal exam would be necessary to be certain of this.  Good luck!

Can I have rhinoplasty done without breaking the bone? (Photo)

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Can I have rhinoplasty done without breaking the bone? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty without breaking the nasal bones.

Answer: Rhinoplasty without breaking the nasal bones.

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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