Can the "base" of the nose bridge be narrowed?

Question

By base of the nose bridge, I do not know the correct anatomical name, but if I were lying down, these nasal bones would be the ones closest to my face. For me, these bones are very wide, but the highest protruding part of my nose bridge is very thin. Because of this, if there is bright lighting, the base of the nose bridge makes it seem very wide. However, if it dimmer, my nose bridge looks thinner because of the protruding part. Can these bones be narrowed this way?

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Actually, that maneouver (nasal base narrowing) is essential part of the so-called "basic rhinoplasty", namely a pack of surgical gestures applicable to those standard cases of nasal surgery.It is achieved by splitting the nasal bones at the dorsum, where they meet and get fusion, by means of dorsal shaving or, if no hump existed, by means of paramedial osteotomies, and once the bones are freed at the dorsum the surgeon applies the basal osteotomies or infractures at Joseph's angle (the angle between maxilla and nasal bones) so that they stay well concealed and no step is seen at the walls of the nose.One common issue in rhinoplasty revisions is the unexplainable abscense of osteotomies in cases which they were a must.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

The upper one third of the nose is made of bone the lower two thirds is made of cartilage. The boney arch can be thinned low down near the face and sometimes an intermediate thinning or osteotomies is performed which is usually done when the nose is twisted.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Osteotomies are "breaking the nasal bones." There are a number of options for osteotomies as well depending on the shape of the nasal bones. IF they are convex (rounded outward), we do double osteotomies to flatten the contour as well as narrow the overall bridge. A personal exam is very important to determine exactly what would be the best treatment.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  The answer is yes, the nasal bones can certainly be narrowed.  It would be helpful to see some photos to answer your question more specifically as there are some variables that need to be considered to more definitively answer.  Best wishes.

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.  It is certainly possible to narrow the nasal bone as you describe.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real
patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a
computer animation system. 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

Yes, the base of the nose can be narrowed with osteotomies placed in the nasal bones.  This accomplishes narrowing both the nasal bones and both of the upper lateral cartilages that compose the bridge line.  For more information about osteotomies and many before and after examples, please see the link and the video below

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

The best answer would be for you to be seen in person and then we could evaluate what areas you want narrowed. All portions of the nose can be narrowed, but it is impossible to give you a complete answer without seeing your problem

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If what I am understanding about your question is you would like to have the nasal bones narrowed a bit. In most cased this seems reasonable.  You would have to be seen in person.

Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS · Answer

The simple answer is "yes."  There are dozens of specific techniques to reshape the nose to attain the effect you want.  However, every nose is different, and what technique is done sometimes does not translate into what the final result is.  It is always best to seek a face-to-face consultation with a board-certified surgeon so that your nose can be examined fully.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Osteotomies are used to narrow the width of the nasal dorsum.  The question is specific but any meaningful response needs to address your particular circumstances. See a board certified plastic surgeon for a personalized consultation.

Can the "base" of the nose bridge be narrowed?

Answers (13)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

What are the chances of a permanently failed nose job?

Why is a columella strut used?

8 months after rhinoplasty, tip of nose is leaning more to left & causing the right side to block some of the airway? (Photo)

Why does my nose get bigger every time I drink alcohol?

Surgery refine face and get the "male model look". 2nd photo is what I would like to look like. (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS