Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable? (Photos)

Question

I feel like my nose is too wide from the front, and from the side I feel like it sits too low, and does not look feminine. I feel like my nose overpowers my face, and is not in harmony with the rest of my features. My main wish is to completely narrow down the nose, but since the bridge of my nose is really wide too, and the skin is really thick, I wonder if that would be achievable. The rhinoplasty results I really like usually are thin, boney noses. I worry it would turn out too wide still.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can see from your photo your wishes can be realized with a single operation, you seem quite suitable for the operation.
It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs.

To start with, as far as I can tell from the images submitted, your nasal tip skin does not appear to be very thick. In general, when the nasal skin is very thick it is not possible to see flat surfaces and your outdoor front view photograph suggests that they are visible around the nasal tip.

Ultrasonic instrumentation in rhinoplasty can produce more substantial changes for the nasal bridge contour. For the contour of the tip, the key element would be to maintain the projection very close to the original and rely on narrowing and shortening to produce the impression of smaller.

Although we tend to consider the profile as a significant reference, the practicality of it is that we tend to see ourselves predominantly on the front view and oblique views. At this angles, a narrower appearance of the nasal bridge and tip is more relevant than the projection as it makes the nose appear small in relation to other parameters of the face compared to the profile.

To exemplify this point, on profile the nose is evaluated in relation to the shape of the forehead the lips and the chin. On the three-quarter view, the nose is referenced in relation to the eyes, the eyebrow, the cheek bone, the mid cheek and the three-quarter view of the chin which is influenced by the width as well as the projection of the chin. On the front view the nose is reference in relation to the eyes, the by zygomatic diameter and the characteristics of the mouth.

As a result, if your project is to create the impression that the nose is smaller I believe it is definitely possible to pursue this goal but to understand that it is not a question of globally smaller but strategically smaller.

3D imaging and computer simulation can help to evaluate this type of impact and to some degree simple imaging can also do the job.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have medium thick nasal skin and a wide nasal appearance. Additionally, the lower third of your nose is a bit overprojected on profile. If you have severe dissatisfaction with the appearance of your nose, please consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who offer computer Imaging so you could see what might be feasible after surgery. I hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. I agree with your assessment and think it 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 Singer, MD · Answer

The nasal areas that you described and would like improved can be addressed with an artistically performed nasal surgery (rhinoplasty).

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do based on  limited two 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 each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and 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, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California

Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable? (Photos)

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Answer: Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable?

Answer: Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable?

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Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable?

Answer: Is my nose too big for my face & is narrowing down the nose achievable?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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