Flat bulbous nose - Would a rhinoplasty help deliver more projection? (photos)

The width of the tip of your nose is controlled by the two tip cartilages. Those cartilages can be modified to narrow the tip. The tip cartilages also control how *long* the nose is. Their strength holds the tip of the nose down, and often it's nice to elevate the tip a bit while we're narrowing the tip.
How *much* to elevate the tip, or narrow the nose, 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.)

I'd love for you to see some excellent morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. It might make you feel better about the possibilities and help you plan your ideal goal.
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. For most noses, 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.

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs.

In general, rhinoplasty surgery can refine the appearance of the nasal tip and it is easier if there is additional support. Rotation can also help in this matter.

Most of the time, the cartilage graft required to support the tip is sourced from the nasal septum.

In some instances, the nasal tip support is very soft and the septal cartilage is also very flexible. Rib cartilage may then be a solution to provide stronger support for the definition of the nasal tip. The appearance of your nose suggests that it should be possible to make these adjustments without resorting to rib cartilage.

Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. The tip can be reduced in size and better supported so it doesn't droop as much. This will make the nose smaller while keeping it looking natural. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation.

Hello and thank you for your question. From the photos you provided and your description of what you would like to achieve, I would say that yes a rhinoplasty can definitely help improve the projection and definition of your tip without compromising your breathing. The one factor that I cannot evaluate is the thickness of your skin. The thicker your skin, the more difficult it is to achieve a more defined tip. I would recommend in person evaluation by a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty to help determine if your concerns can be fully addressed with rhinoplasty.

You seem to be a good candidate for rhinoplasty; tip rotation, refinement, narrowing of the nose, should all be considered. In person consultation or initial telemedicine consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, expert inrhinoplasty, is recommended. Good luck.

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. Most plastic surgeons like to perform lip lift procedures at a separate time. Best wishes to you

Rhinoplasty certainly will help you for a slimmer nose. Also the procedure will help to prevention of droppy tip .

A closed rhinoplasty approach can accomplish improvement in the nasal tip, and narrowing the bridge line with all the incisions placed on the inside of the nose. Also important to release the depressor septi ligament which dynamically pulls the tip downward when smiling. Thick skin in the tip of the nose is going to prevent refinement in the tip area, so it's imperative have realistic expectations.

Yes, rhinoplasty can improve your nose by giving it more projection and refinement, with limits. The limiting factor is how thick your nasal skin is, and how much it can safely be thinned. Tip rhinoplasty can be performed without altering your airway significantly so you can still breath. However, if the bridge of your nose is over narrowed, breathing could be compromised.