Bulbous tip + uneven nostrils - what non-surgical treatment would help? (photos)

Question

I have more of an ethnic nose and I like my side profile but my tip is more bulbous and undefined. I also had sinus surgery ten years ago for chronic infections. Just turbinate reduction and straightening the septum by my ENT doctor. While my nose is straight from the front view, if you look up at my nose, the nostrils are two different sizes. I don’t want surgery unless I need it. Even still, I’d prefer minor surgery that’s tip only. Please advise!

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! It sounds like your primary concern is the shape and asymmetry of your nasal tip and nostrils—one of the most common reasons people seek out both primary and revision rhinoplasty. Your issues can only be properly addressed through rhinoplasty surgery—fillers simply don’t have the ability or structural strength to achieve the necessary changes you want.

Many surgeons overlook key techniques that can soften the appearance of underlying structures, significantly improving tip symmetry and refinement. These specialized maneuvers require a high level of expertise and experience, which most surgeons simply do not have. Given your history, an open septorhinoplasty would be the best approach to precisely reshape your nasal tip, correct asymmetry, refine the bridge, and restore overall balance.

In addition to reshaping your nose aesthetically, your septal cartilage (or an alternative graft material) would be used to create structural grafts, reinforcing key areas like the columella (the strip of tissue between your nostrils). This is crucial to maintaining long-term symmetry and preventing future distortions.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding procedures in all of plastic surgery—millimeters make all the difference. If a surgeon is only performing one or two rhinoplasties per month, they simply do not have the level of experience necessary to achieve the best possible result. Your nose defines your entire face—this is NOT a surgery to leave in the hands of just anyone.

I have had extensive training in complex rhinoplasty, working under one of the highest-volume rhinoplasty surgeons in the world (who performs 1,000+ nose surgeries per year). If you’re serious about getting the best possible result, I’d be happy to see you for a consultation (Virtual or In-Person) where we can discuss your goals, perform a detailed examination, and create a customized plan for your ideal nose.

I'm actually located right here in California. I look forward to helping you achieve the refined, balanced nose you deserve!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a wide nasal appearance involving your bridge and tip. Your deviated nasal septum is causing a difference in the size of your nostrils, and in my opinion, it would be best to get both your functional and cosmetic nasal concerns repaired at the same operation. In other words, you may be a good candidate for septorhinoplasty to achieve a narrower and more symmetrical nasal appearance in your bridge tip and nostrils. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Your nostrils are asymmetrical now, and will continue to be asymmetrical after any surgical intervention. A full and closed rhinoplasty approach can accomplish refinement of your nose by shaving down any dorsal hump, reduction of the bulbous tip, and narrowing the bridge line to ensure that all the components of the nose are balanced three-dimensionally from all angles. You're not a candidate for just  a tip-plasty. Injection of fillers in the nose would only make the nose bigger, not smaller and is not recommended

Bulbous tip + uneven nostrils - what non-surgical treatment would help? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

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Bulbous tip + uneven nostrils - what non-surgical treatment would help? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Nose Job

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