I have a nose that is too big for my face. What are my options? (Photo)

Question

I am an 18 year old female,(African American.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. African American noses are typically wider at the base and have a lower nasal bridge – and these can be addressed with a rhinoplasty. Based on your photo, you seem to be a good candidate. A rhinoplasty can give you a nose that better fits your face while maintaining a natural appearance that preserves your ethnic background

But the best way to determine your eligibility for rhinoplasty is to schedule an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in African American rhinoplasty. They will be able to properly assess your nose and determine the best procedure plan to achieve your desired results.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing this question. In ethnic rhinoplasty surgeries, the goal is to sculpt the most proportionate nose that works well with the patient's features while meeting their desires. Since there is no profile pic, it's hard to tell how much your nose projects, but from what I can see, the nasal bridge needs to raised. The best way to do this is providing some support with extra cartilage tissue that can be harvested from the rib.The nasal bones that occupy a wide space on the face can be narrowed with incisions on both sides. The wide alar base and bulbous tip can be slimmed down for a more refined look. To say more, a more detailed in-person consultation would be best. Make sure to consult with a plastic surgeon experienced in ethnic rhinoplasty and thick-skin rhinoplasty. Hope this helps, best of luck!

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Without the luxury of a complete set of standardized photos or an in-person examination, I can only speak in generalities. However, that being set, I would do alar base narrowing using my "degloving" technique (freeing soft tissue from bony attachments), which causes a general contraction of the lower one half of the nose, as well as an extended tip graft to improve nasal tip aesthetics & further alar base narrowing. You may also be a candidate for dorsal augmentation, which helps, as well. But without profile photos, it's hard to say.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you would be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery). This surgical procedure can address the size, shape, and proportions of your nose. It can involve reducing the overall size of the nose, refining the nasal tip, reshaping the nostrils, or adjusting the bridge of the nose. The goal is to achieve a more harmonious balance with your facial features.

Of course, an “in person” consultation is necessary.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Are you a candidate for rhinoplasty? You appear to have a wide bridge, mid portion, tip, and nostrils. This is common in Afro-Americans. The surgery to narrow these structures is called a rhinoplasty. You do not show a profile, so I presume you are satisfied with your profile. The traditional rhinoplasty will mainly affect the front view. For those who wish to build up the projection of the profile there are Silastic grafts  that are sometimes used for that purpose, but they have problems. Usually a traditional rhinoplasty focusing on narrowing a bridge tip and nostrils along with the mid portion of the nose is the solution.

I have a nose that is too big for my face. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Are you a candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Are you a candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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

I have a nose that is too big for my face. What are my options? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Are you a candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Answer: Are you a candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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