Can you add skin to nasal tip? (Photo)

Question

I know this is a peculiar situation, but I had a peel and samples sent home with me 9 months ago in Bologna, Italy. My nasal tip thickness was decreased - especially from the samples which I thought were normal face washes, but turned out to be more exfoliating acids. Initially, there was swelling, pain, and redness. Now the nose looks smaller and less defined (buffed). Is there a way to regain the over-exfoliated skin to get back to my normal shape and size? Any insight is so appreciated!!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

What I see in the photos is a nasal tip that has very strong cartilages, the cartilages making the tip look wide and broad, like in the patient whose photos I posted with this answer, except your two tip cartilages are closer to each other, so there's not much of a dent in between them. The third posted photo makes the nose look a little reddish, but not severely so. Seems to me, if you like the width of your tip, there's nothing to do. Your skin should get 100% back to normal when you stop using the peel things. There is no skin grafting or replacement to do -- that causes terrible scarring and deformity on the nose and would make you look awful.

If you don't like the tip, investigate a rhinoplasty, and if you do like the overall pre-peel shape, just do nothing for right now.

If you decide to investigate a rhinoplasty, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

There are many treatments to reduce oily and sebaceous skin of the nasal tip, and this can lead to a narrowed nasal tip appearance in some people that have very thick nasal tip skin. Based on your photos, I believe you have an issue with congenitally wide nasal tip cartilages. To see what to expect after well performed surgery, please consider visiting several reputable rhinoplasty specialists. Thank you for this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   I would not recommend adding skin to your nose.   Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Cartilage grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Can you add skin to nasal tip? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

Can you add skin to nasal tip? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.