Self-conscious about wide nose - What can be done to improve this? (photos)

Question

Unlike most people I’ve never had too many complaints about the profile of my nose but I have always been self conscious about how wide it looks straight on. What can be done to improve this?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @emmalemonn thank you for your question. The nasal alae are part of the nasal structure. When modifying the nose, symmetry must be preserved and for this reason the surgical plan must be complete including the functional part and the nose completely. In this way it is possible to reduce the width of the nose and harmonize the rest of the structure. For more information and recommendations it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @emmalemonn. Thank you for sharing your photos. You are an excellent candidate for a rhinoplasty. I recommend seeing an expert rhinoplasty specialist for an in person examination. There are several options for you that can be determined after examination.

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Best of luck,

Dr. Nima

Osman Halit Cam, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Accroding to the pictures you submitted the bony part of your nose looks balanced. However as you mentioned the tip of your nose is wide. According to the pictures, tip plasty surgery would be best solution for your specific wish. But for final decision multiple photos and 180 degree videos of your face should be evalauted.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

To improve on the width of the nose on front view, the dorsum can be narrowed, the tip can be defined and you may also consider narrowing the base of your nose. These techniques will help with the width.

Kristopher Day, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a good eye and reasonable concerns. Not all rhinoplasties are created equal, just like all noses are different, so it's important to match the treatment to the concerns. On first glance, what can be seen in your case is a relatively wide but also straight and well-projected and rotated nose that features a somewhat prominent columella with comparatively less robust ala and a slightly bulbous tip without clear definition. In other words, your nose is a little wide and big at the tip. How to address this would likely include what's called a cephalic trim, some maneuvers to further define your nasal tip, with or without lateral osteotomies, or bone cuts, to narrow the nasal dorsum. What does all that mean for you in plain language?...Either you need a short tip procedure that won't cost as much and have less recovery time or you need (likely) a longer procedure that involves more expense and recovery time but allows you to achieve your main goal of an overall narrower nose. Have a good, thorough consultation with a knowledgeable surgeon to decide which is best for you and your goals.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. I think rhinoplasty is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. Best wishes to you.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

What can be done for a wide nose?. I agree with your assessment that your nose appears wide in the front view but your profile looks quite good. A Rhinoplasty can refine the width of the tip and bridge and leave the profile essentially unchanged. However sometimes changing one feature of the nose alters the appearance of another. so for example, from the front you nose may appear to be an appropriate length but making the nose more narrow may make it appear slightly longer. A tiny adjustment in the length which would slightly affect the profile might be advisable to keep all the proportions of the nose , length, width, projection, etc. in harmony.

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Thank you for your questions and for sharing your photographs.
The distance between our nostril's outer edges should be almost equal to the distance between the inner corners of the eyes. It is impossible to assess the width of your nose based on your photograph as one is unable to see the inner corners of your eyes in comparison with your nose.
I would suggest that you consult with an expert rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss your concerns.
The use of manipulated (morphed) digital clinical photography provides a platform for discussion as to your desires and expectations. Such images are not a guarantee of exact results, but a great tool to ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same wavelength.
Best wishes,

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 would depend on an examination 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 based on very limited 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 closed rhinoplasty approach can accomplish refinement of your nasal tip cartilages and narrowing the bridge line with all of the incisions placed on the inside of the nose. No external incisions are required, and no painful packing is required either.

Self-conscious about wide nose - What can be done to improve this? (photos)

Answers (11)

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