Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller? (Photo)

Question

I received a nose job two years ago to remove my bump and was adamant on only having subtle changes done. Now that it has settled in I'm having regrets and wishing that I had asked for a much smaller nose as I still don't think it suites my face properly. Would it be worth going through a second rhinoplasty to get a smaller and thinner nose? Do I need it? What are the risks if I have thick skin?

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

There is a natural limitation to size reduction in rhinoplasty.  This is especially relevant in noses with thicker skin.  If the structure of the nose is reduced beyond the capacity of the skin to contract and drape tightly over the structure, the skin behaves like a garment that is too big on your body.  The nose will lose form and generally gain width on the front.  Thicker skin cannot shrink as much as thinner skin.  While thick skin can be thinned a bit during surgery (removing some of the underlying fat), there is still a limitation on how much in can contract.  Your primary surgeon may be able to counsel you on these issues.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

I don't think your nose has to be exactly smaller, but indeed could be narrower, the tip more balanced in shape and derotated (it is a little too high).If you wish better grounded opinion well lit, focused and standard images have to be assessed: frontal, both lateral and both oblique views, also underneath the nostrils.
Feel free to request any additional information from me.

Colin Pero, MD, FACS · Answer

No one can answer your question for you as how "worth it" a revision rhinoplasty would be.  From a rhinoplasty surgeon's perspective, I feel my job is to inform patients as to what is a reasonable expectation for their postoperative recovery and result (always demonstrated with computer imaging) would be.  That said, although you have had significant improvement from your first surgery, it does appear you could have a small degree of refinement/thinning with revision surgery.  It would require an examination to tell for sure.  Best of luck.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a nice natural shape, which is obviously a big improvement over your preop appearance.  Changing the slope slightly can soften the nose, and make it look smaller, but setting the entire nose back to the face relies on skin contraction to shrink to the smaller framework, and the judgement of how successful that will be would be helped by an in person examination and photos that showed more of your face. Keep in mind that revision rhinoplasty is more complex, and is best undertaken by somebody with experience in revisions.  All that being said, I think a consultation would be worthwhile if you are not happy with your current appearance.

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thanks for your question. Looking at your photos, it may not be possible to safely reduce the size of your nose further without compromising something important. Your skin looks like it may be fairly thick, but that could only be confirmed in person. Scar and changes in blood supply may limit how small the nose can go. If you seek revision rhinoplasty, make sure you work with a specialist in revision rhinoplasty to have the best chance of getting close to what you want. Good luck,Dr. Shah

Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller? (Photo)

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Answer: Is it possible to make my nose smaller in a revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller?

Answer: Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller?

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Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Is it possible to make my nose smaller in a revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Is it possible to make my nose smaller in a revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller?

Answer: Is it worth getting a second rhinoplasty to make my nose even smaller?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.