Are There Ways to Decrease the Thickness of Nasal Skin?

Question

I have somehow a bulbous tip. I feel that my nasal skin is thick, oily and making a considerable proportion of the overall tip size. I'm a biker, I noticed obviously there is a difference between the size and overall shape of my nose tip between the days of heavy exercises when I lose lot of fluids and the days without training. The reflection of fluid loss over nasal subcutaneous tissue along with sweating related loss of sebaceous oily, on skin thickness make me ask if there are options for me

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

There are many options to improve the characteristics of nasal skin including high quality skin care products, topical retinoids, extractions and laser resurfacing/ dermabrasion. A comprehensive strategy can typically reduce the sebaceous nature of the nasal skin and slightly thin this skin. However, these external treatments can be expected to improve the quality of the skin but will not be expected to have dramatic effects on reducing a bulbous tip. A rhinoplasty would still typically be required to refine that. I hope this information is helpful.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty that involves narrowing the bulbous tip involves suturing the tip cartilages together and a conservative cartilage removal when necessary. A thick skin blanket covering the tip will blunt any of the procedures that are performed on the tip. It is very difficult to thin out this thick skin from the underneath side since the tissues just want to simply grow back again. Patient must have realistic expectations for undergoing rhinoplasty with the nasal tip skin

Edward Szachowicz, MD, PhD · Answer

The bulbous tip is refined by certain surgical procedures performed to the tip cartilages during rhinoplasty. The thickness the skin and fatty under layer in the tip region determines just how much definition is possible when the healing is complete.
	Good medical skin care helps to keep the pores unclogged and can reduce the amount of sebaceous (oil) gland activity. Some reports show that Accutane can reduce the thickness of the skin of the nose if there is an over activity of the sebaceous glands. A dermatologist can help you decide if treatment is advised.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear David,

	From your description, you may have a condition called Rhinophyma.  Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition due to hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands of the tip of the nose often seen in cases of long-standing acne or rosacea.  Usually affects men in their middle age and beyond.  This can be progressive.  Debulking with laser or with a scaple, depending on severity, can improve the situation.  Topical treatments help only very mild cases. 

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Thick oily skin subjected to the rigors of the elements and exercise should be treated by a skin care specialist. My patients with problems like yours are treated by the aesthetician in my office or when necessary referred to a dermatology colleague.

Are There Ways to Decrease the Thickness of Nasal Skin?

Answers (5)

Answer: Possible Rhinophyma?

Answer: Possible Rhinophyma?

Answer: Decreasing Thickness of Nasal Skin

Answer: Decreasing Thickness of Nasal Skin

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Are There Ways to Decrease the Thickness of Nasal Skin?

Answers (5)

Answer: Possible Rhinophyma?

Answer: Possible Rhinophyma?

Answer: Decreasing Thickness of Nasal Skin

Answer: Decreasing Thickness of Nasal Skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.