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.

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!

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

I would agree with your assessment of your nose - you have a drooping tip and your lower lateral cartilages need to be reduced.  This can be done with a tip rhinoplasty and internal sutures to elevate your tip.

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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The dorsal hump is composed of both bone and cartilage in these photographs. Shaving down the bone and cartilage will leave the bridge even more wide than it currently is. Shaving down the dorsal hump might look good from the side profile, but the frontal profile will not only be a square flat top appearance, it will have an open roof deformity. The frontal projection will look worse, not better. Osteotomies of the nasal bones are required to close the open roof deformity created from the hump removal.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the photos and question and while what you are suggesting could be done it would not give you the best aesthetic resultDr Corbin

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

While a rhinoplasty can be performed without breaking the bones, in your case, you should consider having a complete rhinoplasty  Your bridge is wide and needs to be reduced.  See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for the best, most natural results.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You can have a limited rhinoplasty restricting the work to your tip but you also have a very wide bridge. Removing the hump without narrowing the bridge will make the upper part of your nose even wider. Unfortunately your tip will not be proportional to the rest of your nose. For these reasons I recommend that you have a complete rhinoplasty.

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

Answers (10)

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