Is it possible to shorten a long nose bridge, lower it, and make it flatter and less defined?

Question

I heard of people getting surgery to get high nose bridges, but what about people who want surgery to get low nose bridges? I hope the surgery is possible because it seems possible?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

It is very common to get a lower nasal bridge during rhinoplasty as many people come in with bumps on their bridge. As long as the anatomy lines up a somewhat normal bridge can be made flatter to create a curve as well. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert who has computer imaging so you can see what can be done.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. What you are describing is possible, but it really depends on your nasal anatomy. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When somebody presents to our practice with a bump on the bridge of their nose, lowering it is typically what we do. The only time we add height to the bridge of somebody's nose is if it is overresected, or if somebody has an ethnic, broad, flat nasal appearance. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is possible to lower the bridge and should be done by filing it.  If you lower the height, it may look wider and you may need to file the sides as well or possibly to infracture to narrow it.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In most rhinoplasties, lowering the nose bridge and, if needed, shortening the long nose is  a major part of surgical planning. Relatively fewer number of patients will need elevation of the nose bridge and nose lengthening like in Asian and African American ethnic rhinoplasty.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

With noses, almost anything is possible.  We can raise, lower, shorten, extend, define, make less defined.
The secret is to know the anatomy well and determine where we need to remove cartilage and where we need to place cartilage.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Much more information is needed, such as a full set of facial and nasal photographs from all angles to make a determination about how best to proceed. Digital computer imaging would also be helpful to understand what can and cannot be accomplished with the procedure.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Cocomelon,
Rhinoplasty surgery has become so advanced over the last 3 decades that just about anything is possible.  Seek consultation with an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon for an examination and discussion of your goals and options.  Good luck!