Can the ball on my nose be reduced? (photo)

See the "Web reference" link, just below my response. 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.The two cartilages that form the tip of your nose are strong. They make the tip of your nose look wide, look like a ball. They also tend to make the tip of the nose protrude strongly forward. You didn't submit a profile photo, but I wouldn't be surprised to find that you might want the tip of your nose to be elevated and to come back closer to your face on that view.

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 "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.



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 -- so you know whether it's enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. Then, he must show you before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.

A ball-shaped, or bulbous nasal tip, can be corrected with rhinoplasty surgery.  Typically cartilage resection, suture techniques, and possible cartilage grafting can be utilized to provide you with a more refined nasal tip.  I suggest in person consultation with a surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty surgery.  I have provided a link below.  Good Luck!

The areas that concern you can be
realistically improved with an artistically performed rhinoplasty.

Keep in mind that following advice from a
surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you 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 surgery. 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) or a
facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) that you trust and are comfortable
with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. The length
of the procedure, cost, and the specific operative steps to achieve an ideal
cosmetic result vary from patient to patient and would depend on the findings
at your consultation examination.



Robert Singer, M.D., FACS



La Jolla, California