Can I get fat removed from my nose?

Question

I want a narrower nose... but I'm happy with my profile. Nothing to cut cartilage-wise I think. If the fat is simply removed... is there the possibility that it will accumulate back over years?

David R. Stephens, MD · Answer

Hi Z2005, without a photo it is difficult to discuss. The nose is an amazing structure in that the shape is mostly the result of the underlying bony and cartilaginous structure. Like a house, the framework or superstructure of the nose directly determines it's look or architecture; it's form and function. Thicker skin can affect shape and is typically found in oilier skin types; while conservative subcutaneous thinning can help, the shape is changed by modifying the underlying framework. So there is no real fat in the nose to speak of but thicker skin that can aggravate the lack of structural support or distortions, resulting in a poorly shaped nose. Communication of expectations and changes that are possible with nasal surgery is critical, as in all of plastic surgery. We have a Vectra 3D imager in our office that is a great communication tool that shows you what your surgery can look like with rhinoplasty. It is important that your surgeon be experienced in rhinoplasty but able to listen carefully to your concerns.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

No, you won’t be able remove fat from your nose, but there are a number of other results you can achieve with rhinoplasty that create facial harmony.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Sometimes the soft tissue can be reduced a bit, but this may not produce the change that you expect.  Select a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds 
of rhinoplasties each year, has great reviews, and great before and 
after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Z2005,An exam would help determine what you would need to get the results you wantTypically, removing fat would not get the definition that you would wantWhen you are ready, please visit a rhinoplasty specialist who can address all of your concerns for a consultation...all of your questions can be answered thereBest,Nima Shemirani

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear z, thank you for your question.Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure that can
dramatically change one's appearance. In
our San Diego practice we perform computer imaging to determine what may be
possible in your case. Actual before and after photos are a good way to
evaluate your surgeon.Good Luck!

Michael Sundine, MD, FACS · Answer

There are some patients who have very thick skin and may have some extra fatty tissue in their noses who may benefit from some thinning of the skin.  Usually one will need to have some other alterations performed to the cartilages to get some narrowing of the nose and thinning the skin alone will not fix the problem.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Narrowing a nose usually requires modifying the underlying framework of bone and/or cartilage, not removing fat.Keep in mind that following the advice from
a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do
without seeing photos and without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired
outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of
each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest
you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
(ASAPS) or facial plastic surgeon (ENT) that you trust and are comfortable with. You
should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There is no fat in the nose. To narrow the nasal bones, medial and lateral osteotomies are required. To narrow the tip requires suture techniques and a conservative cartilage removal applied to the lower lateral cartilages of the tip are performed. Thick skin, if present will be an impediment to seeing a very refined nose. For many examples, please see the link and the video below

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I'm assuming from your description that you feel the soft tissue envelope of the nose is too thick. Sometimes the skin is defatted conservatively, but it can also lead to contour deformities if not done evenly.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

An exam is needed to determine exactly what is needed to achieve the result you desire.  Discuss your options and expectations with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is very experienced in Rhinoplasty surgery.

Can I get fat removed from my nose?

Answers (12)

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