How to Fix Wide Nose Bridge?

Question

I have searched on Google image search and have yet to see a nose bridge wider than mine.  How can this be fixed? Is it even possible, or are the bones too far apart?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When osteotomies are needed to narrow a wide nasal appearance, this is typically performed at the time of rhinoplasty. Depending on your examination, you may require medial osteotomies (along the roof of your nasal bridge), and lateral osteotomies ( along the path where your nasal bones meet your facial bones. Hope this is helpful. Dr Joseph

Lucy Barr, MD · Answer

It appears that your nose may also be underprojected which would be better determined with a profile photo. If this is the case, the treatment should involve a combination of osteotomies to narrow the bones, in combination with some cartilage grafting which will both improve the projection but also provide a more narrow bridge.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The picture of your nasal bridge shows a slightly abnormal width of nasal bones that can be addressed with medial and lateral osteotomies and resetting the nasal bones inward. This is a very common maneuver that is performed on nearly all rhinoplasties. Based on the picture presented, it does not appear that there is much tip work that is needed on your nose, just the osteotomies.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Tylernga,
Yes, plastic surgery of the nose may help reduce the width of the bridge. The upper third of the nose is made of bone, instead of cartilage in the lower two thirds. Wide bone may be reshaped and narrowed. Expect to have some bruising & swelling around the eyes after surgery. Alternatively, the bridge may be too low, which creates appearance of wide nose. Grafting cartilage or alternate material on top of the bridge will actually create a narrow nose. Speak with a rhinoplasty surgeon, who can perform a comprehensive evaluation, to help determine which nasal treatment options are appropriate for you. Best of luck.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Judging from the photo you provided, you have a depressed nasal profile where the tip is more prominent than the remainder of your bridge; this is called a saddle nose. This flattening makes a nose look very wide.
Saddle nose deformities are common after nasal trauma, severe nasal infection, prior nasal surgery - to name just a few reasons. Or, it may just be the way your nose has developed.
In this situation, an augmentation of your nasal bridgewill provide the appearance of a more balanced and narrower nose, even without narrowing anything. Sometimes, the more narrowing can be achieved by moving your nasal bones closer together.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A side view would be useful because from the frontal view this almost appears to be a depressed and wide nose bridge. In this situation, a bone or cartilage graft to the dorsum will actually make the nose appear narrower. In many instances a single bone cut on either side of the nose is made to decrease the width of the nose. In wider noses, sometimes two bone cuts are required on each side of the nose to acheive a more agressive decrease in width of the bridge.

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! It appears that you may have wide, or lateralized nasal bones that can be made narrower with osteotomies performed at the time of Rhinoplasty surgery. Be sure to consult with a specialist for this operation and best of luck to you!

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm sorry you feel your claim to fame is the widest nasal bridge found on Google. This is not a rare physical finding. As others have stated, it appears your nasal bones are widely placed and the nose inadequately projected. The appearance of your nose can be significantly improved with surgery.

How to Fix Wide Nose Bridge?

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Is It Worth It to Get a Subtle Rhinoplasty?

Procedure to Subtly Refine Nose Tip?

Rib or Ear Cartiledge to Increase Nose Bridge Height and Tip?

How Accurate is Digital Imagery when Considering Rhinoplasty?

Is Having Rhinoplasty Safe if You're Pregnant?

How to Tighten Nasal Skin After Rhinoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS