If my nose is as wide as my lips, is the problem because of my noses girth or my lips lack of? (photos)

Question

I am planning on rhinoplasty, but do I need both or a certain one based on your experience? Also, for the rhinoplasty, would I need bulbous tip correcting, nostril placement relocation, and shaving off my nose bridge? And would the end result be a button nose and cutesy or sharp and elegant? Is it even possible to correct that much in a nose?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Learn more" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_magicwanda1.html
I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.I narrowed the tip, which softens the tip as well. The woman in the short video that I posted with this answer had the tip cartilages narrowed as well.You might also benefit from bringing the entire nose back closer to your face, but we'd see that best on the profile views, and we don't really have any pure profiles in this post.
See if you think the morph captured what you're looking for.I think your lips look great. I'd leave them alone.
You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. 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. Read that page very carefully. 
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns? I could modify the morph to your taste if you wish.
Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who understands all of the issues I mentioned, and how they fit together, and who can actually accomplish them in surgery. Finally, 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.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. I do not think you need to alter your lips.  Make
sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients
who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer
animation system. The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

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 or procedures would depend on an in person examination (not just an online consultation) 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 and how technically to do it 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 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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A  rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish making the required changes to your nose, such as narrowing the bridge line, narrowing the nostrils, and narrowing the bulbous nasal tip. The hanging columella can also be reduced as well. Digital computer imaging performed in the office setting would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with the procedure upon your facial features. Rhinoplasty is very difficult endeavor, so choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience

William H. Huffaker, MD (retired) · Answer

It appears that your issue is a large nasal tip.  This can be softened with a tip rhinoplasty.

If my nose is as wide as my lips, is the problem because of my noses girth or my lips lack of? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: Large Nasal Tips Can Be Reduced

Answer: Large Nasal Tips Can Be Reduced

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

If my nose is as wide as my lips, is the problem because of my noses girth or my lips lack of? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: rhinoplasty candidate

Answer: Large Nasal Tips Can Be Reduced

Answer: Large Nasal Tips Can Be Reduced

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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