My nose has got bigger and is changing! I don't know why. Do I need surgery to get my old nose back? (Photo)

Question

I'm 25 & have never had cosmetic surgery. In the past year I have noticed that my nose has really changed. It has become thicker above the nostrils especially on one side. A little ridge of cartilage that I used to have at the tip of my nose has disappeared & it now just generally looks rounder/fuller. When I smile, it seems to go to one side a little (on the thicker side) & just generally looks bigger overall. I haven't had any recent nose trauma. Why has this happened? Can surgery get it back?

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there,You ask a very good question.   Changes to the nasal shape over time do occur, and are generally noticed more by people who have thin skin covering the bone and cartilage skeleton of the nose.In your case, the tip cartilages are becoming more obvious. They are not necessarily getting bigger.  They may be getting a little thicker. The overlying skin may be getting a little thinner. A combination of these elements has lead you to notice the change.What to do?Firstly - a good option is nothing.  You have noticed the change, but you have a very nice nose overall, and there is not s lot wrong.  The change may well not progress- ie it might well look the same as now in 5 years from now.  So the first thing to do is just wait and see, in the event you are generally happy with your nose shape.If you find it unacceptable, it is correctable. An open rhinoplasty approach, subtly modifying the shape of the tip cartilages, can correct it. But that's a big step for a subtle problem. You'll decide yourself what's best for you.All the very bestHoward WebsterPlastic Surgeon.

Damien Grinsell, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi.  There are many changes which occur with age which can include the skin becoming thinner in some parts and thicker in others.  This is the most likely cause for the changes which you are noticing.  It is unusual for the bone and cartilage to change in the absence of surgery or trauma.  You would only need a subtle change to the nose to get the look you desire.RegardsDamien

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, nostriligic. Your body and facial features are continuing to change. It sounds Iike you would benefit from a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty.Best wishes,

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Hello. Our bodies are constantly changing, this is part of the natural aging process, even at 25. The nose in particular goes through several stages during the span of a life. If there is something you want to change about your nose, I would discuss it with an expert rhinoplasty surgeon.

Peter Callan, MBBS, FRACS, MBA · Answer

Hi there and thanks for the question.As one gets older the skin does thin a little and the cartilages in the nose can become more prominent. You are young. It's really worth digging out more old photos and looking closely.  If indeed it is changing then it can be improved, but only if you think you should. The changes are harmless.Surgery will get it back. However it may change (slowly) again. I hope this has helped.

My nose has got bigger and is changing! I don't know why. Do I need surgery to get my old nose back? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: We change with time!!!

Answer: We change with time!!!

Answer: Nose getting bigger?

Answer: Nose getting bigger?

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My nose has got bigger and is changing! I don't know why. Do I need surgery to get my old nose back? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: We change with time!!!

Answer: We change with time!!!

Answer: Nose getting bigger?

Answer: Nose getting bigger?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.