Can laser resurfacing reduce the thickness of skin on the tip of nose for refinement? (photos)

Question

I am considering a revision rhinoplasty after my initial surgery three years ago. I love the natural result but feel the tip is too bulbous. I would like some minor refinement in the tip. I went back to my surgeon and he informed me that he took as much cartilage out as possible and he didn't want to compromise the integrity of my nose with revision. He suggested laser resurfacing to refine the tip and reduce the thickness of the skin, which is what I find undesirable. Can this work effectively?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The CO2 laser can reduce the thickness of the skin of the external nose and make it appear slightly thinner and narrower and smoother. However, it is unlikely to improve the bulbous tip significantly. If you require further narrowing you might need a tip graft to make the tip appear narrower or further refinement of the tip cartilages. I do not believe a CO2 laser alone would be sufficient. Good luck in your area.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

If you do some aggressive CO2 resurfacing you may be able to improve the tip of the nose a little.  We do this with patients with rhinophyma and actually remove some of the nose to shrink it down.  But in those cases, patients are happy with any reduction in size so they aren't too concerned if it is a little irregular afterwards.  In your case you would want to just try to tighten a little. I think the result would be minimal at best.  May need to do revision surgery instead to really get a good result.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

CO2 lasers can reduce the thickness of the skin if we take into consideration that sun damage skin will try to get thicker in order to protect itself from the sun. Your problem is a bulbous tip that resurfacing will only be able to improve minimally at best because it is not related to sun damage. Your best option is a tip revision surgery, but you have a very nice result to begin with. You need to consider the benefits and complications of a revision nose surgery. you need to go to an experienced revision surgeon as you might loose more that you can gain a second time around. just things that you need to evaluate and consider.Hope this helps,Dr. Gustavo A. DiazDouble Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery

Can laser resurfacing reduce the thickness of skin on the tip of nose for refinement? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

Can laser resurfacing reduce the thickness of skin on the tip of nose for refinement? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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