Many people have issues with the appearance of their nose. A wide or crooked bridge can affect the way you look when viewed head on. A curved or long nose may affect your appearance when you’re viewed in profile. Whatever the issue may be, undergoing a rhinoplasty (nose job) at our Dallas, TX practice can work wonders for your appearance. You may even be surprised what a slight adjustment can make.

Let’s take a moment to consider how a surgeon assesses the front and profile views of the nose. We’ll then consider surgical techniques that are common for improving the appearance of the nose from each these different angles.

Your Nose at Different Angles

A person’s nose may look fine when viewed from one angle but could be the source of self-consciousness when viewed from a different angle. Such is the case with front-view and side-view problems with the nose.

A cosmetic surgeon must consider the look of the nose from all angles when designing a treatment plan, but the surgeon will take special note of the angle that causes a patient the most self-consciousness. This helps develop a treatment plan that properly addresses the aesthetic concerns and cosmetic goals of the patient.

The Frontal View of the Nose

When considering the frontal view of the nose, a plastic surgeon will note the straightness and shape of the nose and how it complements your other facial features. The relationship between the nose and your chin can have an impact on how your face is seen head on, for example.

In addition to considering the nose as a whole and potential problems with the nasal bridge, a surgeon may also take into account the width and height of the patient’s face and how changes to the nose impact current facial appearance. The ideal is to maintain or enhance the harmony of your appearance while still adjusting the frontal view of the nose.

Techniques for Improving the Front-View of the Nose

In most cases, improving the frontal view of the nose will involve narrowing the nasal bridge. Surgeons can also remove any prominent bumps, curves, or interruptions along the path of the bridge from the tip of the nose to the brow. Spreader grafts may be used to help correct the middle third of the nose along the bridge.

Surgeons may also make adjustments to the tip of the nose if the angle or prominence throws off facial symmetry.

The Side View of the Nose

From the side, bumps and ridges along the bridge of the nose tend to be more prominent. The same is true of the curvature and protrusion of the nasal bridge. Again, the overall shape of the nose will be considered with the angle and shape of the face from the side as well as the prominence of a person’s chin.

With the patient in profile, surgeons will note how the nasal bridge complements the brow, the angle of the tip of the nose and how it is positioned, and the prominence of the columella (the skin the separates the nostrils) with regard to the upper lip. Even subtle adjustments from the side view can make a big difference.

Techniques for Improving the Profile of the Nose

When correcting the profile view of the nose, surgeons will typically remove cartilage from the tip of the nose to help shorten the nose. Adjustments can be made to any bumps and ridges along the nasal bridge.

A surgeon may also consider careful use of sutures and grafts to straighten the angle of the nose, improving overall facial appearance when someone is viewed in profile.

Contact Paul Pin, MD

For more information about rhinoplasty and how it can improve the appearance of your face, we encourage you to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. During the consultation process, we will answer all of your questions and address your concerns.