How difficult is it fix a bulbous tip? (Photo)

It is much appreciated your humble and conservative approach to your future surgeon, however I'll have you know the results can be model-like if the hands are well experienced.Just one suggestion: keep in mind your dorsal hump, now not an issue neither eye catching for you, may become a worry once the tip is refined, do consider fixing all at one time.

Click on the "Web reference" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_macgirl37.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 of your nose. Also, however, I elevated the tip upwards, and I brought the entire nose back closer to your face. When the tip cartilages are strong enough to make the tip wide, like yours, they are usually strong enough to hold the nose out forward from the face more than we might like, and they tend to hold the tip down, making the nose tip look a little droopy. Perhaps you can see those changes best in the animation. The woman in the short video above had all three of those features, too.I'm not in love with my morph, but only because it's hard to keep things looking natural on the computer when you change the "pre-op" photo that much. 
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. You should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills.
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns?
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 a beautiful nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes a beautiful 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. 

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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for sharing your question and photos.  Surgery would be an option for you to address your concern of bulbous tip.  The procedure would involve reshaping and slenderizing the cartilage framework that is contributing to the bulbous appearance.  I would visit with a board certified plastics surgeon in your area to discuss your options in more detail.

You seem to be a good candidate, and yes a tip rhinoplasty seems to also be in order.  That surgery in itself is not overly complicated, and the downtime is fairly minimal, with a very good result after 10-14 days, and swelling to continue to go down for another few months... but certainly better.  Full eval needed of course.

Thank you for your question.
Rhinoplasty consultations should be done in person. A thorough exam is required
as well as a lengthy conversation regarding your goals as well as your
convalescence. I recommend that you make an appointment with a board certified
plastic surgeon to discuss your surgical options.

Hello MacGirl37,When it comes to refining the tip of the nose, that is something that can be readily accomplished based on your pictures.  For those patients with very thick skin (not you), the expected results need to be tempered.  With your skin type, you would be able to readily see the improvements.  This would most likely involve techniques with sutures and conservative removal of the excess cartilage.  I would recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon as over correction of the tip does have a risk of affecting your breathing.  Facial plastic surgeons tend to have more of a background in function of the nose to improve not only the appearance but maintain the breathing.  I hope this helps and good luck.    

The bulbous tip is reduced with conservative cartilage removal, and suture techniques applied to the lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip. A full rhinoplasty is required to make sure all the components of the nose balance with each other, and the entire new nose balances with patient's facial features in a three-dimensional fashion. Rhinoplasty is difficult endeavor, such as your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience producing natural results. For more information and many examples of bulbous tip reduction, please see the link and the video below

Improving a bulbous tip 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
an artistically performed natural appearing 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 (ENT)
that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
La Jolla,California

Through an open approach, your large lower cartilages that make up the tip of your nose can be reduced and reshaped in a predictable manner. You should expect a substantative improvement. But have some computer imaging done first so you have a good idea as to what that will be.