How to reduce/get rid of the fatty skin on the sides of the nose? (photo)

Question

Howard Webster, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there,The question of what to do here likely would involve a personal examination. As, the answer depends upon the composition of the thickness. Also, I am assuming here that you're quite comfortable to leave the rest of the nose unaltered. If it's bone (i don't think it is) - then a closed nasal vault rhinoplasty can narrow it. Pretty simple.If it's fat / skin - then it can be thinned via internal (closed) incisions. I doubt it's fat.If it's muscle (and I think it most likely is nasalis muscle hypertrophy) then it can readily be treated with botox, non surgically. It would need say 5 units of botox per side probably every 6 months or so. An excellent solution, not expensive, reversible, and over time as the muscle bulk lessened, then less rather than more botox is needed. Essentially riskless.One thing to note: If it is muscle, and it is removed or paralysed, it might impact on your breathing. The nasalis muscle has a function. Google it and learn about the muscle, and it's function.All the very bestHoward WebsterPlastic surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. Some the lateral soft tissue can be debulked also.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your picture, it appears you have concerns with the fullness on your nasal sidewall.  This may secondary to soft tissue underneath the skin, from cartilage, or from a wide nasal bone.  Most likely it is a combination of the above.  This can be corrected through a rhinoplasty, and could be approached either through a closed or open fashion.  What most likely would happen is the underlying bone and cartilage are reduced in order to smooth this area.  I would consult with a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon, who specializes in rhinoplasty for a full consultation and physical evaluation. Here you can discuss your goals and expectations for surgery.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Kathleen Waldorf, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for posting your question and photograph!
The area your arrows are isolating are not typically an area that traditional rhinoplasty will address. This fullness is the area where the cheek and nasal sidewall meet, it's bulk consists of skin, a little underlying fat and muscles of facial expression. A proper clinical examination would need to be done by a board certified plastic surgeon to assess how much each factor contributes to the fullness of this area. If muscle mass is a significant factor, your surgeon may suggest use of Botox injections to decrease bulk.

Best wishes

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.  That bulge on the side of your nose may be a muscle.  If that is the case, some botox may be helpful to decrease the bulk of the muscle.  An in person exam would be helpful to determine if that is in fact the case.Good luck with your treatment.Dr. Remus Repta

How to reduce/get rid of the fatty skin on the sides of the nose? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty expectations

Answer: Rhinoplasty expectations

Answer: That may be a muscle

Answer: That may be a muscle

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How to reduce/get rid of the fatty skin on the sides of the nose? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty expectations

Answer: Rhinoplasty expectations

Answer: That may be a muscle

Answer: That may be a muscle

Browse related questions

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.