How to reshape nasal tip and nostrils? (photos)

Question

35 year old caucasian female interested in a rhinoplasty. The bridge of my nose is fine and without any bump/hump, but I'm very unhappy with the width of nasal base, especially when I smile. My nose also has a very pointed tip that I would like re shaped.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend starting with a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery to discuss if rhinoplasty can address your concerns. 
I would recommend writing down the following questions before scheduling your consultation:
1. Are you unhappy with the tip of your nose? 
2. Do you feel that your nose is too wide? 
3. Do you want to make your nostrils smaller in appearance? 
4. Are you looking to decrease the general size of your nose?
I hope some of these questions will help you pinpoint what it is that you don't like about your nose.  Cost will vary due to various factors like anesthesia fees, facilities fees, etc. I wish you the best as you research your options when scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation.

Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Peter Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

we would perform an open rhinoplasty in which we refine the tip of your nose with sutures and cartilage grafts after removing a portion of the lower lateral cartilages to narrow it. We would soften the tip of your nose by covering the cartilage grafts with fascia harvested via the incision we use to obtain the conceal cartilage grafts. we would perform a cephalic rotation of the nasal tip, as well as shorten the overall length of your nose a bit. The base of your nose would be narrowed by performing Weir excision  of the Ala on each side.

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. All of the areas you mentioned can be addressed using a closed / scarless approach. Using software like Vectra, you can have 3D photos taken and then changes can be made to the nose with an ipad so you can see what you like and your surgeon can also see what you're looking to do. I wish you all the best.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY and Boston, MA

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

based on these photos, you are a good candidate for full rhinoplasty. Broad nose and nose tip, retracted columella should be addressed to create more balance. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you may have a wide nasal appearance at the base of your nose and bridge. You also appear to have a retracted columella on profile with an overprojected nasal tip appearance. Consider consulting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who offer computer imaging so you could see what to expect after surgery. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Improving the nasal 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 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

How to reshape nasal tip and nostrils? (photos)

Answers (6)

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