Do I have thin, moderate or thick skin on my nose? (Photos)

Question

I think I have thick skin, but wanted to post images here to see if any doctors have a rough idea of what my skin type may be. I am considering having rhinoplasty done but my main concern is a large and droopy/bulbous tip, and I'm worried that if my skin is too thick then rhinoplasty wont be as effective and I'm hoping. The final picture is my desired nose. What do you think?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I would say that your skin thickness looks average, but an in person exam would be needed to confirm that. I think you would have a very nice result in decreasing the bulbosity of your nose. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert for consultation.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Your photos suggest moderate-to-thick skin, especially over the tip, but the true thickness and sebaceous quality must be confirmed by palpation during an examination. I can also see a broad, bulbous and somewhat droopy tip with visible skin texture; the limited images cannot determine how much of the width comes from skin versus the underlying tip cartilages. Moderate-to-thick skin does not prevent a worthwhile rhinoplasty, but it changes the strategy and expectations. The surgeon usually needs to create a stable, well-shaped cartilage framework with appropriate tip support and controlled rotation rather than aggressively removing cartilage or thinning the skin. Excessive skin thinning can damage blood supply and lead to scarring or contour problems. Thick skin can soften very fine definition and swelling may take longer to settle, sometimes 12–18 months or more at the tip. Selected postoperative measures, such as taping or carefully placed steroid injections, may be considered by the operating surgeon if prolonged swelling develops. The final reference photo shows a narrower, more refined tip, but another person’s skin, cartilage, nostrils, and facial proportions cannot be copied exactly. A surgeon experienced with thicker-skinned noses can assess whether a meaningful reduction in bulbosity and droop is achievable while keeping the result natural and structurally supported.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

I can see some of the natural highlights of folds of the tip cartilages under the skin, and we wouldn't be able to see that if your skin were thick. It just looks like you have strong, broad tip cartilages that make the tip look wide and make it hang in a low position.
Couple things about the last two photos you posted -- the 3/4 view and the morph. First of all, it's an absolutely fantastic morph! How did you do it? How did you get the nostril to show and have a natural shape in the "after" pic?! The other thing is that the morph shows a very significant elevation of the tip. It's appropriate for your face, I think, but you have to be careful in selecting your surgeon. A serious majority of rhinoplasty surgeons would not be able to create a change that large in the length of the nose.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be very difficult to do good evaluation of nose skin properties without in person consultation. Based on all others attributes of your nose structure, you seem to be a very good candidate for rhinoplasty. Good luck.

Do I have thin, moderate or thick skin on my nose? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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