Can reduction rhinoplasty remove skin tissue or only cartilage and bone?

Question

I want to know whether excess tissue inside the nose can be removed as well as cartilage.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty, in most cases, removes only bone and cartilage. The skin or soft tissue envelope as it's referred to tends to contract nicely so there is no need to reduce the skin itself. In very thick skinned patients the area of the tip can be thinned from the underside but I try to avoid this whenever possible as there is always a risk of over-thinning the skin or creating an irregularity in the skin envelope. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

For more than 35 years I have removed both cartilage and excess subcutaneous tissue while doing rhinoplasty. When the subcutaneous tissue is thick this area between the skin and cartilage can be removed and is often quite extensive. See a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for this.

Christopher Khorsandi, MD · Answer

Sometimes the soft tissue can be resected in areas such as the nasal base or the nostrils to thin a nose. But typically the skin of the nose does not need to be resected because it will contract after surgery and conform to the underlying bony and cartilage framework.

Jay W. Granzow, MD · Answer

While skin tissue can be removed from both the outside and inside of the nose, this is rarely required.  As an Otolaryngology (ENT) and Plastic Surgery boarded surgeon, I prefer to shape the structures of the nose if possible and only remove tissue when necessary.  This is true both when addressing the external appearance and also the very important function and breathing of the nose.

Sanaz Harirchian, MD · Answer

Hi ensenada1. Rhinoplasty can involve thinning the underlying soft tissue in a patient that has thick skin. This can create a more refined nose in a thick skinned patient. Good luck. Best, Dr H

Can reduction rhinoplasty remove skin tissue or only cartilage and bone?

Answers (9)

Answer: Shape the nose when possible, remove skin only when necessary

Answer: Shape the nose when possible, remove skin only when necessary

Answer: Rhinoplasty details

Answer: Rhinoplasty details

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Can reduction rhinoplasty remove skin tissue or only cartilage and bone?

Answers (9)

Answer: Shape the nose when possible, remove skin only when necessary

Answer: Shape the nose when possible, remove skin only when necessary

Answer: Rhinoplasty details

Answer: Rhinoplasty details

Browse related questions

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.