Would a Rhinoplasty or Non- Surgical Fillers be best to slim down the appearance of my nose? (photos)

Question

I have a very noticeable bump from the side of my nose and i've been very insecure about it. Looking at old pictures of myself I use to have a very nice slim nose, I guess with aging it got bigger. I want it to be smaller from the side and front. I have an ethnic background, I am Mexican and Native. I just want to know which one would be best and if i try non surgical fillers could i proceed with a rhinoplasty afterwards if i'm not happy?

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you can benefit from a subtle dorsal hump reduction and a tip rhinoplasty where the nasal tip cartilage is modified for a more refined, feminine look as stated in your question -- "smaller from the side and the front".  In terms of filler, I would be careful with placing filler, since oftentimes, filler is placed to camouflage the hump and flatness in the tip by increasing the size of the nose overall -- an "Avatar" effect is often seen and I recommend that you be cautious.

The next step for you is to find the right aesthetic plastic surgeon.  In your rhinoplasty consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns specifically, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  Also, be sure to see plenty of before-and-after pictures in women who have a similar nose appearance to yours, and preferably at different time frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own surgical outcome.

After seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery, I think the most important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Michelle Hardaway, MD · Answer

Based on the photos that you sent, a rhinoplasty should help you achieve your goals.  Fillers can camouflage the bump (dorsal hump).  A surgical procedure would give more refinement to your nose.  Discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon.  Computer imaging can give you an idea of the final results.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Fillers are a great way to try to improve the nasal shape. Often times a bump can be hidden and the tip projected better with a filler. If you decide you want rhinoplasty, you can certainly do that as well. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Any rhinoplasty surgeon would much rather perform a surgical correction over non-surgical injectable fillers. Surgical rhinoplasty is more creative, technical, and permanent. That being said, a lot of patients benefit from fillers because of either cost, fear, anxiety, or inability to take time off for recovery. Non-surgical fillers ADD to the nose. It can hide bumps, irregularities, imperfections and improve the shape of the tip. It CANNOT make the nose smaller, more narrow, or thinner. It creates an illusion of a better shape. Patients need to choose their injector wisely because there can ba some disastrous complications.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty would be able to create a straighter profile and frontal view for your nose. The limitation with nonsurgical rhinoplasty is that it can only add volume, but can not take any away. By slightly raising the bridge of your nose above the hump it will camouflage the hump. A rhinoplasty specialist will be able to comprehensively address the issues you have with your nose. While there are a variety of approaches and techniques employed by various surgeons, it is up to you to do your due diligence to find a rhinoplasty specialist in order to achieve the best results possible. Good luck! @drdonyoo

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you're on the fence about surgery, filler is a nice way to get an idea of what your nose could look like after surgery. Filler actually makes the nose larger, however, when placed appropriately it gives the illusion of a smaller, more refined nose and lasts about a year depending on the filler used. If you're more certain about the changes you'd like and want a permanent solution, then surgery would be the more optimal choice. There isn't a right answer, and it all depends on what your goals are and the degree of invasiveness you're willing to tolerate. I hope that helps, and all the best!

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your photographs and your goals, you will be disappointed by fillers. Fillers cannot make a nose smaller. Instead, surgical rhinoplasty reduce and refine your dorsum, and define your tip. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is best to do surgery as you will not get enough of a result from fillers. Also, fillers have their own risks and do not last long.
Regards
Dr. J

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear kkarissa,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from rhinoplasty. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mark G. Albert, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. You can increase tip projection with filler to see if you like it before proceeding with surgery. I wish you all the best.
Mark G. Albert, M.D., F.A.C.S.New York, NY and Boston, MA

Would a Rhinoplasty or Non- Surgical Fillers be best to slim down the appearance of my nose? (photos)

Answers (15)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (15)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

6 months post rhinoplasty - is this my end result? (photos)

I feel like my nose is too straight and pointy (like a witch) what would I benefit from? (photos)

Will I ever be able to wear a VR headset after rhinoplasty?

Is it customary for a Rhinoplasty postop visit to be with a Nurse Practitioner? Should I insist on seeing the surgeon?

What are the different techniques of rhinoplasties and what are the implications for the success of procedure/recovery?

Indents and crooked nose 7 months after rhinoplasty. Do I need a revision? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS