Is there such thing as a simple "nip-and-tuck" nose job? (Photo)

Question

In general, I like my nose. But I have my problems. From my profile, my nose slopes down and is kindof large, and when I smile, it seems to get bigger. I can never have a decent picture taken of me without my nose coming off as extra large. I don't necessarily want a prominent tip, just one that isn't so wide. And I believe that if the sides were "taken in" (I don't know, like "stitched" in or something) then my nose would look okay. I just wanted to know if that is possible.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is the hardest operation to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so it is not a simple  Nip and Tuck.   To narrow the wide bridgeline requires osteotomies placed in the nasal bones and manually shifting them inwards.  A tip rhinoplasty is required to narrow the tip. An alar plasty is required to narrow wide nostrils. Cartilage grafting techniques are required to build up the bridge, if necessary to help give the illusion of a narrower  nose.

Julian W. Dixon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. First I would say that it is rare that a nose job is simple. Especially when there is more than one area of concern. That being said there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve the appearance of your nose and your concerns seem reasonable. There are some limitations to how much surgery can change the look of your nose while still maintaining or improving its function, especially given your ethnicity. This is because you likely have thicker skin and weaker cartilages, but a significant improvement could definitely be achieved in skilled, experienced hands. Good luck, hope this helps.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

In my opinion "simple", "nip and tuck" and Nose job do not ethically belong in the same sentence. A Nose operation (Rhinoplasty) is actually made up of multiple optional modules which are put together for each specific nose.You happen to have a classic African nose which includes:1. large, concave lower lateral cartilages (giving the tip its wide bulbous tip)2. Thick skin of the tip3. Flaring nares (which widen further when you smile as you commented)4. A lower, wide bridgeTo refine the tip, the lower lateral cartilafes need to be made smaller and bought together with stitches. In addition due to the thick skin, additional onlay cartilages may need to be placed to lift and shape the overlying thick skin. The nares will need to be made smaller and moved in with Weir Excisions. (you may want to look it up). Finally, the dorsum of the nose may need to be brought in OR have a gradt put on it to make it appear narrower.Long answer to a short question. No. there is NO simple solution to the wide African nose tip. A ~real~ operation is required.Good Luck.Peter A. Aldea, MDMemphis, TN

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

There are many rhinoplasty techniques that can be used to meet your goals. It's best for you to try and articulate what you would like to see your nose look like and then go for several consults and let the surgeon advise you on how it would best be accomplished. Beware anyone promising you a "simple" and easy fix.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty is the most challenging facial plastic surgery procedure. The good news is that you are a candidate for rhinoplasty to refine your nasal tip and narrow your nose. It will be very important to choose a surgeon who listens to your aesthetic goals. It's critical to ensure that your ethnicity is maintained throughout the procedure and that refinements represent a balanced result that fits your face and your features. Subtle changes can make a huge difference! I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

Rhinoplasty is not simple. It is a very precise discipline that gets imprecise results.Perhaps just a procedure to reduce the nostrils would suffice, but this not a rhinoplasty. It is just one part of a rhinoplasty but maybe all that you need or want.

Is there such thing as a simple "nip-and-tuck" nose job? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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