Am I a candidate for rhinoplasty? (Photos)

Question

40yo F, 5'2", 50kg. Ive always hated my little "ball like" nose, however with age my nose has grown ridiculously and I feel it now projects too far from my face causing me major confidence issues. I long for a short, straight nose, with smaller nostrils. I'm not sure if I'm a candidate for surgery due to "the ball" where my skin/cartilage (?) appears quite thick. I've attached current pics, plus my old nose, and my friends nose as inspo. My dream!

Man Koon Suh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your nose looks bid and long, and has an overprojected tip. You can be a candidate for rhinoplasty and expect good results. The surgery you need is lowering the nasal bridge height by bump reduction and osteotmy, and you can have a narrower bridge through osteotomy.Correction of a bulbous and long nasal tip can be corrected with good results through alar cartilage realingment.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for Rhinoplasty. It would be the best option for you. The desired look can be achieved by narrowing and reshaping the cartilage. In addition, keep in mind that this operation would create a nice change on the entire face. I’d advise you to have a consultation done by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in Rhinoplasty.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for posting your pictures and the description of the changes you would like. Rhinoplasty is a complicated operation and requires a prolonged recovery time where the skin contraction plays a big role meaning that there are some limitations on the results that one can achieve. However, after reviewing your desires and the pictures I believe it is possible to achieve a very good result very similar to the one that you have sent. This would most likely require an Open Tip  Septorhinoplasty with Alar Base Reduction.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi. You can certainly have a rhinoplasty to help with deprojecting the nose as well as narrowing the tip, to reduce the "ball" like appearance as you describe it. It is best to consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss the details of what your nose could look like.

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos, it does appear that a rhinoplasty would make a nice change to your overall appearance. While there are a variety of approaches and techniques employed by various surgeons, it is up to you to do your due diligence to find a rhinoplasty specialist in order to achieve the best results possible. If surgery is not an option for you, nonsurgical rhinoplasty can be used to reshape the nose by adding volume to the nose with dermal filler. Good luck! @drdonyoo

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty. I think rhinoplasty 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. Best wishes to you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In order o achieve result like on your wish picks, rhinoplasty would be the only choice. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty, is recommended. Good luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you appear to have a wide nasal appearance, with a droopy nasal tip, and an overprojected appearance of the lower third of your nose. Depending on your examination, rhinoplasty may be considered for achieving a narroer, less projected, less droopy, and more feminine nasal appearance. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Behrad Elmiyeh, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS (ORL HNS) · Answer

Thank you for your questions and for sharing your photographs.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most delicate and complex cosmetic surgeries, given the intricate structure of the nose and the balance it provides to a face.
Rhinoplasty can improve the aesthetic appearance of your nose and reduce the bulbosity of your nasal tip.
There are limitations based on the individual's intricate nasal anatomy and nasal skin quality. For example, a thick nasal skin is great in covering up minor irregularities but since it does not shrink well after surgery, it will not show fine underlying refinements to the same extent as those with thin skin.
It is a common misconception to think that the nose can be sculpted as if it was a piece of marble or that one can choose a “perfect” celebrity or a friend's nose.
I would suggest that you consult with an expert rhinoplasty surgeon and discuss what you do and do not like about your nose.
You should expect a full detailed examination of your nose to assess your nasal skin, cartilage, bony structures, and your nasal airway/ breathing. This will allow the surgeon to evaluate your nasal appearance and its relation to your facial features.

The use of manipulated (morphed) digital clinical photography provides a platform for discussion as to your desires and expectations. Such images are not a guarantee of exact results, but a great tool to ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same wavelength.
Only then, you would be able to have a full discussion about the benefits vs risks of your surgery and to make an informed decision.
It is paramount that you have a realistic expectation before proceeding with this surgery.
Best wishes,

Onur Gilleard, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi, your nose can definitely be made smaller. In particular the main issue, as you point out, is the over-projection. It is possible to derive the the nose significantly using the “vertical alar resection” technique. The thick skin means you will likely need steroid injection afterwards to prevent scar tissue build up in the “dead-space” and to thin the skin a bit

Am I a candidate for rhinoplasty? (Photos)

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