How much can nasal bones be narrowed by osteotomies?

Question

I always wondered how much can lateral osteotomies push the nasal bones inwards? Would it only produce a subtle difference or a very noticeable difference ?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

sometimes the bones can only be narrowed slightly.  However, if s large hump is removed from the nose or if your nose is wide to begin with the bones will be narrowed more.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Rd166,Thank you for your question. The degree of osteotomies is really dependent on the anatomy of the nose. Patients with a wider nose, have more room for improvement and therefore a more noticeable difference will be made than a patient with a more narrow nose. If you are looking for a surgeon, I recommend looking at many before and after photos until you find a surgeon you are comfortable with. Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Osteotomies can be performed to narrow the mid-nasal vault.  The amount of narrowing is truly dependent on your individual anatomy and how much narrowing you require.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many variables to consider when performing osteotomies such as the thickness of the nasal bones, and whether not  they have been fractured and displaced in the past. As a general rule,  osteotomies narrow between 2 to 4 mm on each side. For more information about osteotomies, please see the video and the link below

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Usually, osteotomies are performed in the context of a hump reduction or a fracture correction.  With a hump reduction for example, the goal is to narrow the bony nasal vault and to allow the nose to appear more refined.  There are several types of osteotomies and the use of each varies between surgeon and desired result.  I recommend consulting with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your desires and expected outcomes.
Regards,

Thomas Hubbard, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no one answer for the question how much are the nasal bones narrowed, it depends on the person and how wide the bones are.  Different techniques can be used to make a very subtle change or a dramatic change if the bone width is very wide.
I hope you find this information helpful.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Lateral osteotomies can provide a subtle or more drastic amount of narrowing of the nasal bones depending on your anatomy and patient goals.
The surgical simulation software we use in the office is often very helpful in showing patients how osteotomies could help their appearance. This is great for patient education. Often, lateral osteotomies are required when you have a large dorsal hump (beak/bump) that needs to be brought down, in order to close the top of the nasal chamber internally.
Photos and an in-person consultation are really required to properly counsel any patient on the potential impact of rhinoplasty maneuvers.

Nabil Fakih, MD · Answer

Yes, depends on the nose width. We can narrow to make them straight and smaller, unilateral or bilateral. How much more wide they are how much more you notice.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear rd166, The amount of narrowing of your nasal bones with osteotomies is dependent on the patients personal nasal anatomy. The wider the patients bones then the greater the change and the narrower the bones then there is less change. See some experts in rhinoplasty for consultation and imaging can be performed to show you the proposed changes rhinoplasty would provide for you. See examples in the link and imaging in the video above. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

The degree of potential narrowing of the nasal bones through lateral osteotomies depends upon their natural width.  The wider the bones the greater the potential for change.  Narrower nasal bones should not be excessively narrowed because they will begin to impinge upon airflow.  Meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon or ENT facial plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs.  Best wishes,
Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

How much can nasal bones be narrowed by osteotomies?

Answers (11)

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