What is the cause of the shape of my nose and can it be fixed with a rhinoplasty? (photos)

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty, I think it is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you.

You appear to have a high septal angle , one that is above your lower cartilages. In addition you have no tip definition and a hanging columella. However the only way to have your concerns answered is to be evaluated in person. You appear to be an excellent candidate of a rhinoplasty. Please consult with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss your options.

What is wrong with the shape of your nose? Most of what determines the shape of the shape of a nose is genetic. our noses develop the way they do because of the genetic coding we have. Other factors such as trauma can play a role. But if you’ve had no trauma your nose simply developed this way genetically. You are wondering what is “wrong“ with the shape of your nose. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder , I think most plastic surgeons would say that you have a slightly under projecting tip due to a short columella. This makes the area above the tip project more than the tip itself, giving a nose a convex shaped profile. Your columella also appears to be sitting low or “hanging“ since it is impossible to make the tip project more because of the short columella a rhinoplasty in this situation would involve reduction of the dorsal profile to make the tip the most projecting part of the nose. at that time the tip can be refined and the columella elevated, if what you are seeking is the more traditional concept of aesthetics in Western culture.

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 examination 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 based on limited 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

The Photographs demonstrate an overly projecting nose due to an over growth of both cartilage and bone. A Closed rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish shaving down the dorsal hump, reduction of the nasal spine, reducing the hanging columella, narrowing the bridge line and narrowing the nasal tip cartilages. All the incisions are placed on the inside of the nose. Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features.