What nose shape is best for me? (Photo)

Question

I have my first rhinoplasty consultation next week and want to bring photos of noses that I like. I love Kate Beckinsale, Natalie Portman, and Charlize Theron's noses. I want to get rid of the bony hump, make the tip more refined/less bulbous, and make the projection shorter. I have a round face and an underdefined chin and am also considering a chin implant. I want to know what you think would better suit me, a straight or slightly ski sloped nose?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Web reference" link, just below my response, or go here:

FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_sturtzr1.html

I made a couple of computer morphs of your nose, and animations of the morphs, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.

Basically, I made the changes you described, because I agree with them: I deprojected your nose by bringing it back closer to your face, I narrowed and elevated the tip, and I lowered the little bump on the bridge.

I typically make a bridge very very slightly scooped, like in the morph, unless the patient requests something different. Generally, if you make the bridge absolutely straight, it looks a little full, and if you scoop it too much, it looks a bit artificial.

You could be a candidate for a chin implant, too, but only a small chin implant. Your chin is very short in its vertical dimension -- measured from where your lips meet to the bottom of the chin. That's a great feminine feature, and we wouldn't want to make the chin too large, overpowering that nice small measurement.

You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.

Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for a beautiful nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes a beautiful nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.

In your case in particular, you need a surgeon who shares your vision for your nose. You don't want to be looking for a revision later.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A closed rhinoplasty to deproject the tip, reduce the dorsal hump, and refine the tip would be reasonable.  I think that a chin implant would be a valuable addition as well.

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. You may also benefit from a cephalic rotation of your tip to turn
up your tip slightly and a conservative dorsal hump reduction.  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

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Rather than
trying to look like someone else,  it is important understand what can and
cannot be accomplished with your nose in order to be in harmony with your
other facial features. Nasal cosmetic surgery and a chin implant are frequently performed
together in the appropriate patient. The ideal aesthetic result should be
individualized to achieve harmony with your other facial features and improve
the areas that concern you
Every nose is
different and unique to that individual. If the appearance of your nose
concerns you enough to do something about it, it can be improved with a natural
artistically performed rhinoplasty. What would be the best option and exact
procedure would depend on an in person examination (not just an online
consultation) and discussion about desired outcome. Excellent results can
be achieved with either a closed or open technique.
Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website
who proposes to tell you exactly what to do and how technically to do
it based on two dimensional photos without examining you, physically
feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical
history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not
be in your best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized
and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone
else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty
experience certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is
ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person. 
Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
La Jolla, California

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Based on the pictures, I agree that reducing the projection and refining the tip, along with a chin implant will harmonize the face.  A straighter nose would probably suit you better than a ski-slope.  Of course, this is only based on the pictures.  I recommend you consult with several experienced rhinoplasty surgeons in your area.  You may want to visit ones with computer imaging to help you "see" your new nose and chin (we have the Vectra).Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

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Answer: What nose shape is best for me?

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