Why Does Skin Thickness Matter for Nose Surgery?

Skin thickness is important because it can adversely affect the final result of your nose surgery, if not taken into account by your surgeon. The skin of the nose varies in thickness from the bridge, where it is generally thin, to the tip and nostrils, where it can become thicker. Some ethnicities tend to have thicker skin on the nose than others.

Thick skin can limit the amount of narrowing or refinement one can obtain in the tip of the nose. On the other hand, it can also disguise slight asymmetries in the underlying cartilage and bone framework of the nose. Thick skin can be made thinner by adding more projection to the nose (the way the lining of a balloon thins as it is inflated) or by carefully removing fat from underneath the skin.

Thin skin allows a more refined nasal tip, however, irregularities or asymmetries in the underlying framework can become more visible over time. Thin skin can be thickened by placing soft tissue grafts underneath the thin portion of skin.

Remember, however, these techniques to thin or thicken the skin only work to a limited extent.

Dear Realself user,
With a thick skin it can be much more difficult to achieve the desired level of definition and refinement because sharp lines and angles can appear blunted under a thick cover It is not like it is not possible to operate patients who own thick skin butjust be aware of that the healing process will be a bit more complicated compared to other patients.Thick skin may be a challenging procedure , but a satisfying result can be achieved by the right surgeon.Before the surgery there are some methods that could be performed to help thenose skin get thinner and this will create a much more desired outcome.
Patients with a thin skinned type of nose are the lucky ones compared to patients with thick skin because they tend to recover way faster than those with a thick skin. Thin skin will allow for a high degree of refinement but any tiny irregularities or asymmetries may also show through. This can be especially true if you have thin skin and very strong prominent cartilage underneath. You can recognize this in someone whose entire tip cartilage outline can be seen easily through the skin.

TAS Aesthetic Surgery Clinic

Your question is a common one.  without images it is not possible to address your personal concerns, however in general terms an individual with a thick skin envelope may not see as readily the changes in shape created.  This is particularly seen in the tip area.Best wishes,Sergio P. Maggi, MD, FACSAustin Plastic Surgery Centerdrmaggi.com