If I have my bulbous tip corrected, will my nostrils look too wide?

Question

I have a large bulbous tip nose that I CANT stand, my main concerns are that I have never found a doctor with before and after pictures with a nose like mine. I just want the tip to be slimmer, but I am worried about it looking too obvious that I had a nose job. Also, if they slim down the tip, will my nostrils look to wide? I would really like to see a digital edit of my picture before and after to get an idea of how my nose may look afterwards, is there any way for me to do so? Thank you :)

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, my opinion is that your tip can be narrowed without negatively affecting the overall appearance of the rest of your nose.  In person consultation with a few rhinoplasty experts would be a good idea.  Good luck.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question is no, if your rhinoplasty is properly performed. Narrowing and refining the tip can give the appearance of more narrow nostrils. However, if your tip needs to be deprojected so it does not stick out as far, that can create the appearance of wider nostrils. This is not a problem as the nostrils can be narrowed during your rhinoplasty. A surgeon who focuses on rhinoplasty should be able to perform video imaging to simulate the goal result during your consultation. Best.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

See the "Web reference" link, just below my response. I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.
I narrowed the two prominent cartilages that form the tip of your nose. If you watch the animation toggle between the "before" and the "after," you'll also see that I elevated the tip a small amount. When the tip cartilages are strong enough to hold the tip wide, they are often strong enough to hold the tip down, like in the woman in the short attached video.About your nostrils: although rhinoplasty is the hardest operation technically to do for the plastic surgeon, some aspects of it are easy: if you think your tip is too wide, we narrow the tip. We don't worry about whether that will make your nostrils look wider or your eyes farther apart, etc. Secondary considerations like that dictate what we do only in the most uncommon cases. And, although we can't tailor the nostrils like other parts of the nose, because the nostrils are just rolls of thick skin, there are a couple of small things that can be done to make them less prominent.You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Web reference" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he'll change, and by how much he'll change them -- so you know whether it's enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. Then, he must show you before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi miss prince,Thanks for for your question. One of the most common requests in rhinoplasty is to have a bulbous tip made thinner and this should not affect nostril width. In almost every rhinoplasty, the goal should be a natural, unoperated appearance so others do not know you have had surgery. Digital morphing of photos is a useful tool to be sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page and have the same goals. Looking at before and after photos can be helpful, but typically represent an extremely small portion of patients. The best way to get your questions answered would be with an in person consultation where your nose can be examined.I hope that information helps. Good luck!!!!

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

The correction of the bulbous tip may affect the width of nose which needs to be addressed. Once, you have a proper rhinoplasty, your nose will change since not only the tip gets more refined but the nasal base needs to be reduced to achieve a balance nose. See before and after pictures of patients with similar nose to your to see the results. Best

If I have my bulbous tip corrected, will my nostrils look too wide?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bulbous tip

Answer: Bulbous tip

Answer: Correction of bulbous tip and its effect on width of nose

Answer: Correction of bulbous tip and its effect on width of nose

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If I have my bulbous tip corrected, will my nostrils look too wide?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bulbous tip

Answer: Bulbous tip

Answer: Correction of bulbous tip and its effect on width of nose

Answer: Correction of bulbous tip and its effect on width of nose

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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.