Treatments: Nose Shape

The nose is the centerpiece of the face, and it does change over time.  Whether it’s a hump, a deviation, a curve, a large nose, or any other undesired shape, whether it’s a minor focus or the sum of many problems, undesired nasal features need not be lifelong. Nuances of nasal shape may suggest personality, overshadow other features, and lessen self-confidence, including those noted below. Breathing function is intrinsically part of nose shape and is preserved or improved concurrent to an operation for nasal shape, and vice-versa.

 

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure with many variations to accomplish the desired outcome for the specific situation, whether it be to improve breathing, the shape of the nose, or both. The process starts with meeting your surgeon to discuss your goals and to align on what can be accomplished and how. Combining rhinoplasty with straightening the nasal septum, reducing the size of the turbinates, or sinus surgery is common and may be complimentary. Using cartilage grafts to strengthen and shape the nose is common. Revision rhinoplasty, when one such operation has been performed previously, is often a more complex undertaking but can be very successful.


Profile contour treatments

A large nose, a hump or beak, a ski-jump, or an irregularity are just a few of the common nasal shapes people prefer to do without. Reduction rhinoplasty is an effective technique to reshape the nasal bone and cartilage to create a desired profile.


The only difference in the images is the chin. Note the apparent change in the size of the nose.

The only difference in the images is the chin. Note the apparent change in the size of the nose.

prominent nose due to a weak chin

Frequently, what appears to be a large nose is not really a problem with the nose but rather a weak chin. Other times, the nose may be disproportionate or misshapen, requiring surgery, but a chin implant coupled with rhinoplasty allows a normal nose to look normal.


treatment of the crooked or deviated nose

Asymmetry of the nose relate to the nasal bones, cartilage, or both. Treatment for straightening the nose and, if needed, improving the airway, may involve cartilage grafting or making precision cuts in the bone to improve a symmetric structure.


Treatment of a deviated nasal base

A symmetric triangular base view with aesthetic nostrils may be achieved with surgical adjustment of the lower lateral cartilages and/or alar skin wedge excision.


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nasal tip treatment

Whether an inherited family feature, developmental, or other, a nasal tip can affect appearance negatively. Rhinoplasty technique offers powerful means for achieving more of a pleasing, natural and refined shape.


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treatment of nostrils

Flared, wide, narrow, or asymmetrical nostrils are common and may be addressed surgically. Making the nostrils smaller, or thinner may be undertaken with skin wedge excision with a hidden scar. Expanding, strengthening, or reconstructing a nostril may be undertaken with cartilage grafting, and is commonly incorporated into a rhinoplasty also addressing other concerns.


treatment of wrinkled nasal skin

“Bunny” lines or horizontal wrinkles may occur unintentionally with facial expression. A neuromodulator (like Botox) tends to work very well for this. If wrinkles are present at rest, skin resurfacing may be a good option.


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treatments for thick, oily, or red nasal skin

Mild and moderate degrees of red, oily nasal skin may be treated with daily medication, with laser treatment or dermabrasion. Severe thickening of nasal skin (rhinophyma) tends to do very well with laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or excision of the excess skin,


 

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