I HATE my large, round, bulbous nose! I have wanted a nose job for years, could I be a candidate for surgery? (Photos)

Thanks for your question. For refining the tip of the nose, either a closed or open (my preferred method to get maximum control of symmetry) tip rhinoplasty can be performed which refines the tip with minimal scarring.   An open technique allows better visualization and control of the paired cartilages which act in conjunction to define your tip shape and symmetry.  The ability to see both cartilages simultaneously and work on them together allows the surgeon ultimate control over both the shape and symmetry and, of course, beauty of the nose. It's best to set up a few consultations with different surgeons and make an informed decision based on their experience and speciality in the field. View their before and after photos to see what the outcome could potentially be.

Improving the rounded full 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.

Following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do based on limited 2 dimensional photos without examining you, physically feeling the 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. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon with extensive nasal surgery experience who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and 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.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla,California

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.   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