I'm looking to get a Rhinoplasty, but I'm not sure what shape best suits me? (Photo)

Question

I'm looking to get a rhinoplasty. I love the typical "Barbie nose" but I'm not sure if this shape suits me. I'm having a hard time envisioning what it would look like. My at home editing apps and tools change my whole face not just my nose.

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

Hey Gorgeous (509237),
I think you are going about this all wrong.   You should start by picking a surgeon whose results you like and who you like personally.  It is useful to do computer morphing during consultations, at least for rhinoplasty.  The morphing process is done to give you some idea what might be anatomically possible with your nose, not to "pick out" a nose that you might want.  There are many factors that determine what result is possible.  These include the cartilage shape/volume, overall facial proportions, skin thickness, etc.  These factors are unique to every patient, so what might be possible to achieve with one patient may not be possible with another.  In your case, I do think you would have a nice result, just not necessarily like the photos you showed.  Definitely go see a surgeon so you can get a better idea of what might be possible.  Make sure you pick a surgeon who does rhinoplasty as one of the main focuses of their practice.  You don't want someone who "dabbles" in rhinoplasty.  Good luck!

Dr. B

Giray Genc, MD · Answer

Hello, each nose consists of different structures such as skin, cartilage, bone and the space inside. In addition, the nose also has a breathing function other than appearance. Since preoperative simulations do not take all these factors into account, they do not fully represent the results that will be achieved after surgery. However, it gives us an idea about what kind of nose you want, your expectations and how it will look on your face.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a wide nasal appearance and an over-projected profile with a droopy tip. Please consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who offer computer Imaging so you could see what might be best for you moving forward. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

You have a wide, strong bridge, with a small bump that's asymmetrically off to the right side, and a tip that is a bit lower than a more Barbie-like nose, and maybe some other issues that I can't tell from these three photos.

So, narrowing the bridge, and narrowing it a bit more on the right side, is a good idea. Lowering the bridge is a good idea. When it comes to elevating the tip, things have to be balanced with the overall shape of your face and strength of your chin. With your strong chin and tall-ish face, a nose that's too small, a nose that would fit with one of the posted models, might look somehow wrong on your face. Still, it's okay to shorten the nose and lower that bridge, but care must be taken so that enough is done to make you happy, but not so much that there's a problem after surgery.

How *much* to elevate the tip, or lower the bridge, or narrow the bridge, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. You can definitely make the nose thinner and lift the tip up some. You may not be able to get it all the way to a Barbie nose, but you want to be realistic. If you use a rhinoplasty specialist, you should be able to have a great improvement.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos you seem to be an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. In-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert in rhinoplasty, would give you an opportunity to discuss your options and possibly have 3D simulation which will help you to visualize potential result. Good luck.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. I think it is one of the most beautifying surgeries that we do as plastic surgeons. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty surgery. It is important to only see plastic surgeons with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, ie perform at least 6 per month and have performed hundreds of cases. Also, critically evaluate on-line galleries to see if their art form resonates with yours. Rhinoplasty is definitely a grey haired plastic surgeon's sport. You should be able to have an excellent result. Best wishes to you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At the time of surgery, the surgeon attempts to create the desired effect the patient wants. The desired goal photos you showed have a concave dorsum which is not desirable. You want a straight dorsum. You have a slight dorsal hump, your tip needs refinement and your nasal columella needs to be elevated slightly. This would all be done with your rhinoplasty surgeon.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your nose needs to be shorter and narrower. A good surgeon will be able to inform you of the changes that are possible and should be able to show you cases similar to you

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

It is very helpful to go into your procedure with realistic expectations and goals. Rhinoplasty is an amazing procedure, but does require an experienced surgeon. Discussing your expectations with your surgeon is Paramount to achieving realistic outcomes. Make sure you feel confident and your surgeon and their level of experience.

I'm looking to get a Rhinoplasty, but I'm not sure what shape best suits me? (Photo)

Answers (12)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Crooked nose or swollen? (Photo)

Would it be possible to only file down the side of my nose "shoulders"? (Photo)

I have a slightly deviated septum and my nose tip drops down to the left side. Is this correctable? (Photo)

Would I benefit from a rhinoplasty? Nose overwhelms face (photos)

Would a steroid injection help minimize scar tissue 3 years post rhinoplasty? (photos)

Swelling of the lower face 6 months after rhinoplasty

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS