My nose used to be quite sharp and projecting and pointy. Why is my nose becoming more bulbous?

Question

The projecting aspect of it hasn't changed, but the shape of it has. Over the last couple of years, it has become significantly more bulboua. I do have Growth hormone deficiency, hidradenitis suppurative, and episodic Cushing's disease, and my t-zone is extremely oily. I don't have any form of rosacea. Is there a reaosn why my nose might be changing shape, and is there anyway to fix it?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Sometimes it's that the skin gets a little thinner with age, and at some time it gets to the point where you can see or at least appreciate the curves and strength of the cartilages in the tip under the skin, and they make the tip look more bulbous. Sometimes just the pull of gravity, which tries to pull the tip down, gets to spread the cartilages a bit as the tip comes down.The only way to change it is with an operation. Otherwise, you just get used to it, which isn't terrible, unless it bugs you greatly.If you are considering surgery, be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. You should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. Read that page very carefully. Most plastic surgeons are quite poor at this operation, and I believe my advice will go a long way toward keeping you safe.
I usually make computer morphs when I'm answering questions like this, to show the changes that are possible for your nose with a rhinoplasty, but of course you didn't post any photos. At the *very* bottom of the "Learn more" page is a link to instructions on taking and sending photos that are comprehensive and useful for an online consultation like this, in case you'd like a more complete evaluation.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear jashore in Boulder, Colorado:
It sounds like you have several medical conditions which could be a factor.  Rhinoplasty is appropriate to change the skeleton but often the skin is changed as the result of medical conditions.  I think you need a very thorough exam and consultation and advice from an experienced surgeon who does a lot of nose work.  Certainly, there are available in Colorado.  
  
Best wishes,
  
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS 
  
Over 4,500 nasal procedures performed

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

The tip of your nose is made up of cartilage covered by skin. Over the years it is unlikely that the cartilage is changing much so if it is getting thicker this would be due to something affecting the skin. Commonly we see this with rosaceous. Oily skin May also become quick overtime. A consultation with either a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will help answer these questions.

My nose used to be quite sharp and projecting and pointy. Why is my nose becoming more bulbous?

Answers (3)