Is It Possible to Reduce the Nostrils on a Big Bulbous Nose??

Question

Hi, I'm a female, mid 20's, & have wanted a rhinoplasty for awhile! My main issue is that it's just too big for my face! Specifically, I'd like the profile brought down to reduce projection. I'd also like to reduce the bulbous tip. Lastly, I'd like to reduce the nostrils (they are huge!). I used photoshop to show changes I'd like to see but are these realistic & can I bring these to a doctor to show him what I desire? Are the nostril reduction expectations realistic? (thinned/narrowed) Thanks!

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes.  It is called alar base reduction.  This can be performed within the nostrils and the incisions hidden or in the crease between the nose and the cheek.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

Yes, you describe problems that we deal with everyday.  I tend to not like photoshop programs as much as some other doctors and even patients. I think it is more valuable to see before and after pictures of patients with similar features to you to try to get a feel for how the surgeon deals with these problems.  The after pictures are actually results that your surgeon has attained. 

	Good luck!

	Vargas Face and Skin Center

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

From your photos you do seem to show reasonable goals. Tip skin thickness is the main limiting factor when reducing the size of the nose. An exam would help verify your goals, but certainly refining your bridge and narrowing your nostrils is possible. With refining the tip one must be careful not to overdo it at the expense of hindering your nasal breathing.

	You should certainly bring your morphed photos to your consultation as they would be very helpful during the discussion with the surgeon.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

I think your goals are very realistic and the changes that you demonstrated on the imaging are fairly attainable. Reducing the projection and narrowing the nostril base (alar base reduction) would certainly help to give you a nose which is more balanced with the rest of your face. Reducing the bulbous nature of the tip is achievable, however, with thicker skin, you will have to be reasonable with the amount of definition that will be produced and will also have to wait at least 8 to 12 months to see the final results as this subtle healing take quite a long time.

	Make sure to find someone experienced in your area, and good luck!

	-Dr. Jamil Asaria

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for posting before pictures - it makes it much more informative.  You do look like a good candidate for rhinoplasty and the areas of your concern can certainly be improved with rhinoplasty.  Without an in person examination of your nose and facial anatomy, it is impossible to give you expectations.  I would recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

	 

	Good Luck.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

A bulbous tip and profile as you mentioned are issues that may be substantially improved via rhinoplasty.  A nostril reduction can also be included after an in-person exam with a board certified surgeon.  The pictures shown here do not include all the information necessary to make a complete evaluation.

	The pictures you've created are worthwhile to show and discuss during your consultation.  He or she will likely discuss what is realistic and achievable in your case.  Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Through alarplasty incisions at the base of the ala the overall size of the nostrils are reduced. The bulbousness of the nasal tip is best treated with a combination of both cartilage removal and suturing of the tip cartilages to narrow, refine, and feminize the nasal tip. In addition, thick skin will have to be trimmed a little bit so as to give more definition to the tip and super tip area. Close follow up with cortisone injections will also be needed as part of the postoperative regimen to prevent a pollybeak or fluid retention buildup in the super tip area of the nose.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thanks for posting your pictures in more than one view. I agree that you may come quite close to your desired endpoint, partly because YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB IN DESCRIBING WHAT YOUR CONCERNS ARE!

	Many patients can not articulate what is bothering them about their noses, and that makes our job as plastic surgeons more challenging.

	With regard to your particular issues, assuming your examination in my office confirms the photographic impression, I would recommend an "open tip" rhinoplasty to sculpt the bulbous nasal tip cartilages, reduction of the upper ("cephalic") portion of the lower cartilages, and possibly a reduction of some of the excess tissue of the nostrils, which can be done by removing some skin and tissue along the outer crease of the nostril, or even from the floor of the nose, or both.

	A comprehensive, in-person consultation is required in order to offer you surgery, of course.

Jerry Lugger, MD · Answer

From your photos, I think you can come close to what you may be looking for. Narrowing the nose and refining the tip can certainly help, but remember that living tissue does not act the same as our manipulations with computer imaging. If your skin is a little thicker and more oily" it will take longer to reslove the swelling and may not reflect the changes done to the nose quite as well as thinner skin. I certainly would take your photos with you as they form the basis of excellent communication with your surgeon. Get several opinions from board-certified plastic surgeons experienced with rhinoplasty. The nostrils can also be narrowed by an alar wedge technique, although this may prolong resolution of the swelling. Good luck

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Nostril reduction to correct flaring of nose is very effective procedure.  I recommend it to you.  

	Nostrils can also be thinned.  However that operation is to be avoided since it always leaves behind noticeble scars.

Is It Possible to Reduce the Nostrils on a Big Bulbous Nose??

Answers (19)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (19)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

How Can I Tell Whether It is Thick Skin or Cartilages Causing my Bulbous Tip?

How Widespread Will the Bruising Be After a Rhinoplasty?

How Can I Tell If My Nose Is Swelling Unevenly Or If There Is Something More Serious?

Is It True That the Tip of the Nose Falls if You Remove a Bump on the Bridge?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS