I have bulbous cartilage on one side of my nose; what is the treatment? (photo)

Hello and thank you for your question and photograph.  I think you would be a good candidate for a tip-refining rhinoplasty where your nasal tip cartilage is modified. 
The next step for you is
to find the right aesthetic plastic surgeon.  In your rhinoplasty
consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your aesthetic goals and concerns
specifically, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size
of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations),
the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative
course.  Also, be sure to see plenty of before-and-after pictures in women
who have a similar nose appearance to yours, and preferably at different time
frames (3 weeks out, 3 months out, etc) to more accurately predict your own
surgical outcome.
And lastly, I think the most
important component of the consultation is to establish a good connection with
your plastic surgeon.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome
goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a
good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may
not be the best surgeon for you.
Good luck.
Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH
Harvard-trained Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Dear Annie,     Thanks for submitting your picture, though a side view picture would have been helpful. From observing your picture, you appear to have asymmetrical bulbous tip, where the right  lower lateral cartilage is more bulging, the right nostril is higher and the columella  looks retracted.   Reducing the size of the lower lateral cartilage , will weaken their structure , allowing the right nostril to move downward, creating more symmetry. Suturing the domes together will thin and refine the tip. Placing cartilage graft in a pocket at the lower part of the  columella will create a more attractive and up tilted profile.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures , to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice balance and harmony.                          Best of luck,                                                    Dr Widder

The tip is bulbous and cartilage removal will make it smaller and more defined. However, the nostrils might not become symmetric as there is muscle tone involved in positioning of nostrils and that cannot be changed. RegardsDr. Janjua

Hello,Thanks for your question. I believe that you would benefit from a tip rhinoplasty to manage your tip asymmetry. When performed skillfully, a tip rhinoplasty can blend in nicely to the rest of the nose that doesn't bother you. I would recommend that you consult with a rhinoplasty specialist who had a lot of experience with tip rhinoplasty to see Before and After photos, have simulations performed, and get a better idea of what isolated tip surgery might create for you. Good luck,Dr. Shah

In the right hands- utilizing a closed Rhinoplasty technique - you can achieve a more refined, more elegant and more feminine nose. Best to seek an experienced Board Certified PS with extensive experience in Rhinoplasty for in person exam

Thanks for your question and photo. 
Nasal asymmetry is normal. It is quite common to see some differences between one nostril and the other and this may be due to the cartilage, the lining, and/or the skin. 
Many rhinoplasty techniques can be used to improve this and shape the tip to create more definition and reduce the asymmetry.  I think surgery "a traditional nose job" is your best option to create the outcome you're looking for. 
I would visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons and see who you feel understands your concerns and has the expertise to address them. 
Best wishes,
Christopher C. Chang, MD
Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia 

Your tip cartilages are protruding on both sides, more on the right than the left and these can be repositioned and narrowed. The cartilage on the right side also affects your nostril on the right side, which is wider and more notched. Overall, a narrower and more refined nose will suit your face and your eyes better.

From the photograph that you have provided I feel that you would benefit greatly from a rhinoplasty procedure.  You have a relatively thin face and although your nose is not wide along the dorsum your tip is wide and asymmetric.  A skilled rhinoplasty surgeon will be able to create a more appropriate, unoperated appearing tip with the use of various cartilage suturing and trimming techniques.  You may also benefit from conservative defatting of the nasal tip skin.

Thanks for your question and photo!  Yes, a rhinoplasty ie "nose job" will address the nasal tip asymmetry.  A rhinoplasty can be done closed (no outside cutting) or open( a small incision on the outside of your nose between your nostrils).  Most rhinoplasty surgeons would perform your surgery by an open rhinoplasty approach as it would allow better visualization of the cartilages.  Please see an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon that has lots of before and after photos and uses a digital imaging system to show your nose morphed.  Best!

 Thank you for your question. There are several causes that to be leading towards the fullness of the right cartilage of the tip of the nose. The Cartlige in that region is called the lower lateral cartilage and often times it will be more convex than a flatter appearance like the left side is. Simply doing a cephalic strip as many less experienced surgeons would indicate is only going to take away some of the vertical height of the cartilage. This will not take away from the actual convexity of the cartilage.  More than likely, you will require some more advanced treatments like flipping the orientation of the cartilage. I would highly recommend that you seek the advice of a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in rhinoplasty surgery. I hope this helps and have a nice day.