Is this a bulbous nose? The side profile not being straight bothers me. (Photos)

Question

I have not seen this shape of nose on a surgeons site and wanted to see what to even ask for. I want a straight slim nose overall.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, you are a great candidate for a rhinoplasty. The nose could be made shorter and tip thinner, while taking the bump down, all while keeping it looking natural. To best figure out what you want, be sure make a consultation with an expert rhinoplasty surgeon that can do computer imaging at the same time. That way you can see how it may look

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photos suggest a broad, rounded tip rather than a “bulbous nose” as a single diagnosis. From the front, the tip and nostril area look wider than the upper bridge, and the profile shows a curved dorsal line with a rounded, slightly downward tip; skin thickness and cartilage shape cannot be determined fully from two images. Useful consultation terms are dorsal straightening, conservative tip refinement, tip support, and assessment of projection and rotation. A surgeon should determine whether the front width comes mainly from the lower lateral cartilages, skin thickness, the bony vault, or a combination. Making the entire nose very narrow is not always appropriate and can create a pinched appearance or breathing problems, especially if the upper bridge is already relatively slim. Tip refinement may involve cartilage sutures, selective reshaping, and support grafting, while the side profile may require conservative dorsal contouring. Moderate or thick tip skin can soften very sharp definition, so the goal should be a balanced, natural improvement rather than copying a very thin nose. Ask for standardized frontal, profile, base, and smiling photographs with morphs that show both the desired straight profile and the expected frontal changes.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty would be the best option to help achieve your goal. A properly trained plastic surgeon will be able to guide you through this process. I like to use a cone beam CT scan, ultrasound, and physical exam prior to making any recommendations. I would recommend seeing an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon, ideally one who also completed an accredited Aesthetic Society fellowship or is a member of the society. At minimum you would need a tip plasty including cephalic trim, lateral crural tensioning/steal, dome/tip suturing, tip graft support, osteotomies, and possibly a high/intermediate/low strip depending on your anatomy and dorsum.

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Hi, yes you could classify the tip as bulbous. This appearance is due to the size and orientation of the lower lateral cartilages, which form the underlying framework for your nose. Surgery would focus on reshaping the cartilages either through cartilage grafting, reduction, and/or sutures to create a more aesthetic tip. Good luck!

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can see from your photos It is possible to achieve the look you desire through rhinoplasty, I recommend rhinoplasty procedure for you.
It would be better face to face consultation.
Best Regards!

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

If you feel self-conscious about your nose's appearance, rhinoplasty can help. A bulbous, or wide, tip can be caused by the shape of cartilage in that part of the nose or the skin's thickness. Rhinoplasty is an effective option for improving the appearance of your profile and reducing the size of your nasal tip. Because rhinoplasty requires extensive understanding of nasal anatomy, I recommend consulting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is also a certified ENT.

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon – Lone Star Plastic Surgery (Frisco, TX)
First &mdash; yes, I understand exactly what you’re describing, and your goals are actually very common even if you don’t see many “before and afters” that look like your anatomy.
A lot of surgeon galleries tend to show:
* dramatic hump reductions,* highly rotated tips,* or very stylized “Instagram noses.”
But many patients really just want:

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

It is completely normal to feel a bit self-conscious when you don't see your specific features reflected in clinical "before and after" galleries, but rest assured that what you're describing is quite common. From your photos, while you have a lovely and distinct profile, you are referring to a rounded nasal tip and a slight convexity to the bridge, which can be addressed if your goal is a straighter, more streamlined appearance. In a consultation, you should ask about a rhinoplast specifically focused on tip refinement to address the "bulbous" quality and dorsal hump reduction to achieve that straight side profile you’re looking for. Every nose is unique, so the best next step is to speak with a board-certified surgeon who can use digital imaging to show you how those specific changes would balance with your individual facial features.

Erin Smith, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It looks like the top 2/3 of your nose is relatively straight while the bottom 1/3 is wider, or more bulbous. This can be addressed during rhinoplasty throught cartilage contouring and reshaping with sutures. Good luck!

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Yes, you have a relatively wide tip that could be classified as bulbous or boxy (depending on how it looks from additional views) and a dorsal hump.  Rhinoplasty can definitely smooth your dorsum and refine the tip of your nose--just bring up these concerns to an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon in consultation and they will help guide you to reach your goal!

Is this a bulbous nose? The side profile not being straight bothers me. (Photos)

Answers (13)

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