Is my nose skin too thick for decent rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

I have an extremely large nose with a bulbous tip and large nostrils. It doesn't suit my face since I have a recessed lower jaw and poor forward development. I'm not looking for a small, dainty nose and wouldn't even mind it being a bit on the larger side (like David Gandy's). However I would like to reduce the tip and reduce the size of the nostrils. Is this possible? What can be done? I keep reading that thick nasal skin severely restricts what can be done, and I suspect mine is thick.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

You most certainly are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. You sound like you have reasonable expectations which is important. A well performed rhinoplasty can reduce the length and size of the bridge, as well as making the tip and nostrils smaller. A natural result along with a masculine appearance of the nose is most important.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

An in-person examination would be necessary to properly asses you, based on your photos you do appear to be a candidate for a rhinoplasty.  A rhinoplasty is an entirely customized procedure based on the needs and aesthetic goals of a given patient. Given the goals you have described, I think you would benefit from a tip refinement and nostril reduction with possible shaving of your bridge bump. I recommend setting up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best procedure option to suit your needs. Best of luck!

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

It is impossible to tell exactly how thick your skin is, but it does not look as thick as you make it sound from the description. Of course, nothing substitutes for a personal consultation, but I believe your nose can be made smaller and the hump reduced to make a visible difference.

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear William Laws,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you seek an in-person consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is a rhinoplasty specialist who can perform a thorough examination and discuss with you the surgical plan that will best meet your treatment goals. If you do demonstrate thick skin, the types of changes that can be achieved with rhinoplasty may be more subtle but they are still possible. If your jaw is recessed as well, you could also benefit from possible chin augmentation.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on this photo but short of in person evaluation it is my impression that you are a good candidate for regular rhinoplasty. In person evaluation and discussion about your options with a plastic surgeon with good reputation in rhinoplasty is recommended. Good luck.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you have a bulbous nasal tip with a dorsal hump.  You may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty, nasal tip deprojection, and a dorsal hump reduction.  The thickness of your skin can be addressed with soft tissue debulking of your nasal tip.   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.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

The goal for Cosmetic Rhinoplasty is to produce the best nose for that face. It can not be approached like a hair cut that is take a little off the sides and leave the top long.. Either you get your best nose- or you don't. Also, skin thickness of the skin can only be determined at physical exam

Richard Wellington Swift, MD · Answer

William, You are a good candidate for a male reduction rhinoplasty. You are correct that a small dainty nose would not look good on a man. Your nasal tip and nose can significantly reduced by removing  some and reshaping the nasal tip cartilage with small sutures.. I recommend that you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced with rhinoplasty. You can discuss your concerns, breathing, goals and review the plastic surgeon's before and after rhinoplasty results gallery, at the time of your consultation. Best wishes, Richard Wellington Swift, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question. It really depends what you define as a decent result for you. I would suggest to find an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who has can use computer morphed images of yours to identify your aesthetic goals. Once these are defined, and after a meticulous examination of your nose, your surgeon will be able to explain to you, if this your expectations are realistic and/or what challenges need to be addressed during surgery or during the weeks thereafter to control swelling. Good luck!

Greg Bran MD PhD
Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
London, U.K.

Greg Bran MD PhD
Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
London, U.K.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Only an in person consultation will give you the information you want. A lot can be done with a nose such as yours. The skin does not look too thick. Get evaluated in person.

Is my nose skin too thick for decent rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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