Revision for bulbous nose? (Photo)

Question

I’m now 2 years post-op, and I’m dissatisfied with the result of my rhinoplasty. The surgeon brought down my bridge much more than I was expecting, and I’m mostly disappointed with the front profile, especially when I smile. I’d like the bridge of my nose to be like it was originally, and for the tip of my nose to be more upward like it used to be. Is this feasible? What else would you recommend? I’m 28 years old and have thick skin.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

From the front, it looks as though the tip was narrowed some, but it can be narrowed more. The combination of taking down your bridge and narrowing the tip some can make the bridge look wider than it did before surgery, and perhaps that is some of what you are noticing.

On the profile view, yes, the tip can be elevated more, but about that bridge: your nose tip is strong in its forward projection from your face. If it is brought back closer to the face, just a little bit, it will still be a strong nose, and will still balance your strong chin, but then it will no longer look as though the bridge was lowered too much. That way, the problem of the lowered bridge can be taken care of without using a graft, which would open the door to lots of potential complications.

How *much* to elevate the tip, or deproject the nose, or narrow things from the front, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.

Revision for bulbous nose? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Revision for bulbous nose? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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