What nose shape is best for me? (Photo)

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.

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.

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