Can I fix just the tip of my nose to be smaller? (photos)

Question

I love the shape of my nose but at the end of it there is a little ball, its almost like cartilage. I can move it around very easily. I am wondering if this can be reduced without having to go under? I want a cute little nose that doesn't have as much cartilage down at the end and comes to more of a point instead of a round ball. How much would something like that cost? I will try to get a picture up later today.

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are requesting would require a rhinoplasty procedure to refine the tip of the nose.  Most of the time this is done with general anesthesia, but in some rare circumstances patients can have rhinoplasty work done with local anesthesia.  You should visit with a rhinoplasty surgeon to have an evaluation and discuss your options.  Best regards.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Your bones and bridge seem to be fine, however you have cleft or bifid tip and the domes look large and broad; this can be treated with plasties like Ortiz-Monasterio's technique and medial and domal plications. Open approach preferred in such cases. Local + sedation feasible.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It certainly can be reduced but you would have to go under anesthesia. A quality rhinoplasty procedure is at least $6,500.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes, the tip of your nose can be addressed as an isolated procedure. Surgeons vary on their preference for local or general anesthesia as well as everthing in between.

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  A rhinoplasty can help refine your tip without changing the rest of your nose.  Generally, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia since the nose is very sensitive.  However, some surgeons are comfortable doing a rhinoplasty under local with perhaps some mild sedation.  You just have to research several surgeons to find one.  However, in my opinion, the most important issue is to select a surgeon who you trust and believe will achieve a great outcome--not if he/she will do this under local anesthesia.  General anesthesia does add cost, but in the end, is not a prohibitive factor.  When you visit several surgeons, you will be able to learn the costs of rhinoplasty in your area.  Take care.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Improving the nasal tip to achieve an improved natural appearing cosmetic result is a frequent
request of patients wanting nasal refinement. It is possible to improve the
cosmetic appearance of the tip alone without altering the rest of the nose in
some patients. Whether the optimal option in your particular situation would be
a tip rhinoplasty alone or a full rhinoplasty would best be determined at a
consultation. Either procedure can be performed with a closed or open approach.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 two
dimensional 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 ethnic 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)
or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) that you trust and are
comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.Fees vary depending on the extent of the procedure, location of the surgical
practice, and experience as well as the reputation of the surgeon.

Robert Singer, M.D., FACS

La
  Jolla, California

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla,California

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Without a full set of nasal and facial pictures, it very difficult to give any opinion. When the tip of the nose is bulbous, there are several techniques that can allow reduction of the bulbous tip.  These include suture techniques  and a conservative cartilage removal. The remainder of the nose must be in excellent balance so that the new tip now balances with the original bridgeline. Most patients must undergo a full rhinoplasty to ensure the entire nose balances with itself.  A tip plasty and a full rhinoplasty are performed under general anesthesia for patient safety and comfort.  There are too many nerve endings in the tip of the nose to undergo a tip plasty under local anesthesia. Patient's simply cannot tolerate it.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Other photos are key to see what the nose looks like. If it is a wide bulbous tip, then refinement of the tip is certainly possible, but it would require a surgical procedure.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

Nose is a complex structure and when surgery is done on one area, it will affect other areas. Therefore, correction of tip deformity on its own rarely can be done without having to perform other associated procedures to harmonize the shape and function of the nose. For example in your case, if you correct the tip, the width of the nasal base needs to be reduced in order to have a proportional nose, a chin implant will also improve the overall facial harmony. Rhinoplasty can be done under sedation too.

Dennis Barek, MD (retired) · Answer

In my opinion, your nose is narrow at the top and becomes increasing wide as you go down.Typically there should be mild divergence of the nasal lines, on front view. Your lines diverge too much indicating that you probably need a full rhinoplasty with osteotomies.Rhinoplasties vary in price greatly. Big city experts with lots of nose experience can charge $12,000, and even much higher.  It would not be impossible to shop around and find a doctor for half that price and still get a good result.

Can I fix just the tip of my nose to be smaller? (photos)

Answers (11)

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