Is a bulbous tip plasty what I would need? How much would a quality nose job cost, and what would the recovery time be? (Photos)

Based on limited photos - it appears that you would benefit from a reduction Rhinoplasty - preferably performed through a closed technique. In the right, experienced hands - you can expect a more elegant, more feminine nose . I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS with a wide gallery of before and after photos -and discuss details during your consultation

Hello and thank you for your question and photographs. Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you can benefit from a rhinoplasty where the nasal tip cartilage is modified for a more refined, feminine look and improve the bulbous tip you discussed. I am unable to comment on the dorsum (bridge) of your nose without a profile photo, but in terms of the nasal tip, the modification of your cartilage can be done with trimming, stitching or grafting. I would also place a mastoid fascia tip graft between the reconstructed tip complex and your skin to (1) reduce cartilage prominence (tenting up of the nasal tip skin by cartilage) and (2) to also create a feminine tip-defining point (subtle natural upturn).

Just an fyi and also important, if your septum is deviated and you have breathing difficulty as you stated, a septoplasty may benefit you as well -- insurance can cover this and reduce the price of your surgery☝️

The next step for you is to pursue the right aesthetic plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty. In your rhinoplasty consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns specifically, IN PERSON, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course. I also think a key component of your consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon. This is difficulty to do without seeing your surgeon in the office, in person. It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon