Turned down for rhinoplasty due to thick skin. Is there any way to slim down my nose?

Hello dlemss,Thanks for your question.There will be limits on how slim your nose can get because of your skin.  You must have very realistic expectations and clearly communicate to your surgeon what your desires ares.  Medical photographs with simulations will be necessary to confirm that you agree with what the surgeon feels in possible in your particular case.I would see several rhinoplasty specialists in your area and compare notes about what each thinks is possible.  You will certainly not get Angelina Jolie's nose, but you might be able to get close.  Remember that her nose fits her face, and that is why it looks so good.  It doesn't necessarily fit your face which means it may look horrible on you.  Your surgeon will make the best nose that fits your face.  There are ways to reduce the curve you see in the dorsal nasal lines and make them appear straighter from the front view.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Based on your photo you can certainly get improvement with rhinoplasty.  Rhinoplasty in patients with thick skin is possible but requires a few modifications.

 A wide nose can be narrowed with a rhinoplasty procedure. Depending upon the thickness of the skin, there are limitations to what can be accomplished.  When patients have thick skin, the width of the entire nasal tip  is composed more of the thick skin, than the nasal tip cartilages. The thickness of the skin is determined at the time of consultation and examination. Anticipate close followup with  your operative surgeon which would include taping and cortisone shots in the postoperative period along with having very realistic expectations of what can be accomplished with your particular nose and skin.

Thick skin is not a contra-indication to rhinoplasty surgery - it just means that some detail may not be visible after surgery.  Get a second opinion from a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon.  It appears that a more defined nasal tip is possible (based on one picture).

From your one photograph, it does not appear that your skin is too thick for surgical improvement. You have to temper your goals, if you are looking for a very refined, sculptured tip. Sometimes tip grafting can help.

It may be the quality of the picture you submitted but your skin does not appear so thick that I would not do a rhinoplasty on you. I strongly suggest you get another consultation for a second opinion.

Dear dlemss, Rhinoplasty performed on patients with thick skin has some limitations however based on your photograph you should be able to refine your nasal tip and have a very nice result. I would seek secondary opinions regarding your options for surgery. During consultation digital imaging can be performed which will allow you to see the realistic proposed results. You can also review photographs of patients with similar noses and then determine if you want to move forward with rhinoplasty surgery. In my personal opinion you should have nice refinement that will allow a better balance to your facial aesthetics. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.