Do I have extra cartilage on one side of my nose?

Question

I have started noticing how my nose looks crooked because it appears there is excess skin or cartilage on one side of my nostril. I also have an indentation between my nostrils. In pictures one nostril looks covered up. Would the removal procedure be considered a nose job or just shaving off the excess? Also, do I have a bulbous nose?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  You appear to have asymmetry of the lower lateral cartilage.   Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose.  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

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Although the photos submitted are limited, in my opinion- you would benefit from nasal reshaping/ Rhinoplasty. This operation in the right hands- can give you your best looking nose. I would suggest if you pursue this - to consider the internal or closed Rhinoplasty technique. I believe there is no need for a scar across your columella as would be required for the open technique.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

You have a bulbous type of nose. In addition the cartilages that make up the tip of your nose are  asymmetric. You would be a candidate for a nose job. There are many different techniques when performing this surgery. I would recommend the open technique which allows the surgeon to symmetrize the nasal cartilages. As an artist I like using suturing techniques to alter the shapes of the nasal cartilages in order to get a natural result. I like to find out what bothers the patient and then write a detailed plan. I incorporate the FINNESSE technique. Bleeding, bruising, and recovery is minimal compared to traditional techniques. Just had a patient the other day who only took Tylenol after surgery. She is pleased with the result. I hope you find this information helpful. For more information please watch the enclosed video.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The photographs demonstrate very asymmetric nasal tip cartilages for which a rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish improvement. Suture techniques,  asymmetric conservative cartilage removal and  Cartilage grafting techniques are required to make adjustments to this nasal tip. Rhinoplasty for this type of nose is very difficult, so choose your  specialist wisely.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

You have asymmetric shaped and sized tip cartilage that distorts your nose skin. You may also have some deviation as well. A rhinoplasty to reshape your tip would give you dramatic improvement. You should go for a full consultation to learn what your best options are.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Not extra cartilage. It is a slightly irregular lower lateral alar cartilage. Either a tip rhinoplasty or full rhinoplasty is indicated. Best to seek in person examinations from boarded surgeons...

Talon Maningas, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question. Based on the limited photos I can appreciate your concerns. It does appear that you have some tip asymmetries due to cartilage excess and irregularities. A rhinoplasty could address the concerns that you mentioned and provide you a more refined nasal tip. This is done in part by manipulating the cartilage that makes up the nasal tip. Each person's anatomy is unique so the actual specific procedure you receive will be unique to you and your goals but the steps of the surgery are very similar from patient to patient. Your surgeon will likely recommend a combination of shaving down or removing some of the cartilage in addition to using sutures to better refine the nasal tip. In the end, a face to face evaluation by a qualified surgeon is what you need to start the process. They can discuss your specific anatomy, concerns, and options to address each concern. Good Luck!

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You have asymmetry of your nose and your nasal tip lacks definition.  This is due to asymmetry of the underlying nasal cartilage skeleton. There is slight bulbous tip deformity due to excess fibrofatty nasal tissue that obscures the sharp details of the underlying support.  You are an excellent candidate for a rhinoplasty (nose job).  Be sure your surgeon is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (an ACGME-recognized Board) and can review with you a comprehensive portfolio of pre- and post-op pictures.  Properly credentialed surgeons will have no problem discussing their training and Board status with you.

Do I have extra cartilage on one side of my nose?

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