Can you tighten skin on the nose?

Question

I really hate my nose, it has a hanging tip and droops when i smile. I also have a dorsal hump. I'm considering tip rhinoplasty (by the way, I've heard this kind of rhinoplasty is much cheaper?) but I've notice that if i lift the skin on the bridge of my nose, my nose looks like how I want it to (slightly upturned/ this even hides the hump!). Is there any way to have skin tightening done on the bridge of my nose instead of rhinoplasty? If so, how much would it cost?

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,Droopy tip (or Hook nose) is one of the most common reasons patient seek out Closed Scarless Rhinoplasty. This can be a concern when at rest or even worse when smiling. The key is to rotate the nose and prevent the excess pulldown when smiling. We utilize multiple maneuvers to carefully rotate the tip of the nose to lift it to an elegant height and design without any telltale signs of surgery. A closed scarless rhinoplasty is the best surgery to fix this. By doing this via a scarless (closed) approach, there are no external cuts ever on your nose.  This prevents the dreaded complication of external scarring at the base of the nose, which even if rare, if it occurs, is devastating.  This is the best way to fix your droopy tip and will be cheaper! Your nasal skin will form to the new nose after a rhinoplasty, but there is no way to only tighten the skin without the procedure. All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Stephen Kay, MD · Answer

Though you might think you have too much skin, it's the bone and cartilage structure creating the foundation that requires adjustment.  Cosmetic improvement almost never requires removal of excess skin.Appropriate adjustment of the nasal tip will require strengthening the cartilage to achieve the improved contour you seek.  Sometimes this can be achieved by reworking the tip cartilages; often a cartilage graft will be needed.You may not need the hump you describe removed.  As you correctly observed, repositioning the tip my mask the hump, and in some cases a graft to the bridge of the nose provides better overall balance than hump removal.Finally, it's tough to provide a cost estimate without an in-person evaluation.  Many experienced plastic surgeons will, as we do, provide a free initial consultation to examine you, recommend an approach and answer your questions.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

The skin conforms to the underlying bony cartilaginous structure, not the reverse.From your description you MAY(pictures are very helpful) have what has been called a 'tension tip" anatomic issue.Only a further evaluation would confirm that and therefore dictate treatment.Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Skin tightening of the upper nose is not performed to raise the tip.  Treating the deeper structures will likely improve the tip.

Jawed Tahery, FRCS · Answer

ThanksWithout any photos it is difficult to tell, but nasal tip and dorsum must harmonise with each other!one  must not compromise outcome because of costs!!best wishesJ TaheryOtolaryngologist/Facial Plastic SurgeonChesterUK

Patrick Simon, MD · Answer

There are described techniques to resect nasal skin to lift the nasal tip.  These techniques are primarily utilized on the old and infirmed who are not medically fit to undergo a formal rhinoplasty.  They serve a functional purpose: by lifting the nasal tip it improves nasal breathing.  The major downside is the presence of a scar across the supratip region.  This is an unacceptable outcome for any patient who maintains any cosmetic concern.If improved cosmesis is your desire then save money and research local rhinoplasty surgeons.  You should be able to find a qualified surgeon without having to mortgage your home.

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

The basis of a rhinoplasty is changing the underlying cartilage and bony structure   The skin moves with these changes. Removing skin  is pretty rare except at the open rhinoplasty incision between the nostrils. You should have an evaluation by a. Rhinoplasty expert

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

No. the skin of the nose cannot be "tightened".In extreme cases skin can be excised, but that is at the cost of a visible scar.

Can you tighten skin on the nose?

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Uneven bone on sides of nose that cause nose to look crooked after Rhino. Why did my doctor say it's just my anatomy? (photo)

I was wondering if there is a way to get rid of it, something permanent perhaps? (photos)

After Rhinoplasty, the tip of my nose looks different on both sides. Any suggestions? (photo)

Dent forming in middle of nose. Is it collapsing? (Photo)

Will my nose change during puberty?

I have a big & wide "Jackie Chan" nose. It looks too big when taking close up frontal pictures. (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS