I am considering a rhinoplasty - Is my large, thick cartilage nose difficult to treat?

Question

I’ve seen a specialist in London but wanted a second opinion here. He said that treating my “Gerard Depardieu” nose would be very difficult due to my thick, sebaceous skin. I don’t want to give up on the idea of improving its appearance. Is it really that much harder to treat a nose like mine? Tha cartilage seems to be getting larger and droopier as I age. Thank you in advance for any answers.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Though thicker skin can present certain challenges when performing a rhinoplasty, it is still possible to achieve a favorable result. Since the skin on the end of the nose can limit the definition of the tip and contribute to a bulbous appearance, bone and cartilage grafts may be required to provide adequate structural support. The nasal skin may also need to be carefully thinned for an optimal result.

When considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to note that it is one of the most complex of all plastic surgery procedures, requiring experience, skill, and even artistry to achieve the best outcome. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to evaluate your situation and determine the best approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. It may be true that you have relatively thick, sebaceous skin, but the underlying structure of the nasal cartilage framework is visible beneath. Therefore, if we alter this structure with rhinoplasty, you can create a more favorable appearance of the nose. The caveat is that the changes in shape that are achievable are somewhat more limited by thick skin. So it is not 'harder' or more challenging surgery, but that there are limitations in terms of what you can expect that you can discuss with your surgeon. I hope this helps! Good luck, I'm sure you will find the right rhinoplasty surgeon for you.
Best,Dr. Tower

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can see from your photos you have bulbous tip and your nose is crooked to the right side. Your skin is thick so it might be effect the healing process but with the rhinoplasty surgery the appearance of your nose can be improved. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you may have relatively thick nasal skin but you also appear to have relatively firm underlying nasal cartilages. If the appearance of your wide and droopy tip is bothering you, please consult with several several reputable rhinoplasty specialist who offer computer Imaging so you could see what might be best for you moving forward. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I would get other opinions. Even though you have thick skin you can still get improvement with rhinoplasty. Having thick skin is not a deal breaker

I am considering a rhinoplasty - Is my large, thick cartilage nose difficult to treat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty may be considered for the repair of a wide droopy and asymmetrical nasal tip appearance.

Answer: Rhinoplasty may be considered for the repair of a wide droopy and asymmetrical nasal tip appearance.

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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I am considering a rhinoplasty - Is my large, thick cartilage nose difficult to treat?

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty may be considered for the repair of a wide droopy and asymmetrical nasal tip appearance.

Answer: Rhinoplasty may be considered for the repair of a wide droopy and asymmetrical nasal tip appearance.

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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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.