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.

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!

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

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have some dorsal contour irregularities of the nose and you have a super tip hollow. Also, you have a problem with the lateral crura cartilages. You would benefit from a rhinoplasty. This takes 2 hour to perform under general anesthesia and costs $8,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. 
The term "bulbous" carries some negative connotation with it. I would say you do have wider nasal cartilages that give the appearance of your tip. In your case, I would also guess that you have some degree of cephalically (vertically) oriented cartilages that add to the width of the nose and the more rounded appearance from the side. This often requires a technique called lateral crural repositioning in addition to reduction of the cartilages to refine the nasal tip. 
I think your best bet is to schedule a consult with a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty who can perform a thorough exam to confirm the above suspicions about your cartilage anatomy and review the best options in your case. 
I hope this helps and best of luck! Kyle Kimura, MD

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

Answers (8)

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