8 Nose Imperfections People Correct with Rhinoplasty

Dr. Philip Miller

November 9, 2022

No one’s face is perfect, but some people may have noses that can be a significant source of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Nose surgery, also called rhinoplasty, can be performed on the nose to correct nasal imperfections and asymmetry.

Nose imperfections are common, which is why rhinoplasty procedures are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Take a look at these eight nose imperfections that can be corrected with rhinoplasty:

Dorsal Hump

A dorsal hump is a cartilage or bone irregularity on the nose that causes a hump in the outline instead of a seamless slope from the bridge to the tip. They do not cause health problems but can lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. The dorsum bone and cartilage connect the nose to the face and is often called the bridge. Rhinoplasty can remove the hump to produce a more aesthetically-pleasing facial profile.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, can also use his microrhinoplasty technique to correct unsightly humps without fracturing bones or using other more invasive approaches. It is an innovative procedure that utilizes an air-powered microrasp with local anesthesia. Using a small incision in the nostril, the specialized device removed the obtrusive layer with extreme precision for a contoured look. Patients experience minimal side effects like swelling and bruising and can return to normal activities within several days.  

Wide Nose Bridge

The bridge of the nose extends from the top of the nose, below the eyes, to the tip of the nose and is used to help direct airflow to the nasal passages. In addition to its functional role, the nasal bridge is also considered an important feature of the face that can add to a person’s overall facial appearance and balance. 

A wide nasal bridge is often common among many Asian, African, and Hispanic ethnicities. It is important to work with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in ethnic rhinoplasty procedures to ensure beautiful natural results that do not compromise your heritage in these situations. A wide nose bridge can be corrected with a specific technique during a rhinoplasty called an osteotomy, which narrows down a wide nasal bone for a more proportionate look.   

Low Nasal Bridge

A low nasal bridge occurs when the bridge is flat and doesn’t protrude. It is a common characteristic among many ethnicities, such as Asian and African patients. A low nasal bridge doesn’t typically cause breathing problems but can be a cosmetic concern. The nasal bridge can be reshaped with a rhinoplasty to create a straighter profile and a more harmonious face shape.

Bulbous Tip

A bulbous tip is wide and round and can also be called a ball tip nose. The bulb-like shape of the nasal tip is typically due to excess cartilage or cartilage without definition. A bulbous tip can also be due to thick nasal tip skin, which is often seen in ethnic noses. During nose tip surgery, the edges of the cartilage are trimmed to create a more refined nasal tip.

Drooping Nose Tip

A drooping nose tip is characterized by a downward slope that can sometimes result in an unnatural appearance, nasal blockage, and breathing issues. The drooping tip can form due to excess cartilage around the nose, aging, and skin laxity. Rhinoplasty is a permanent solution that can remove excess cartilage and provide support for the nasal tip, lifting and refining the nose for a more pleasing profile.  

Droopy Nose when Smiling

Many patients have concerns about a droopy nose when they smile. A droopy nose when smiling can form from a weak structural base and droopy tip. The muscles around the nose move to make the tip appear droopy with wide nostrils making the problems more exaggerated during the facial expression. An expert surgeon can correct this concern and in some cases, temporary non-surgical treatments like Botox injections can also improve the droopiness.  

Wide Nasal Base

A wide nasal base features a broad spread at the base of the nose, which can include enlarged nostrils that are disproportionate to the rest of the nose. In this case, a nose reduction procedure known as alar reduction can focus on narrowing the base of the nose by making the nostrils smaller, removing excess cartilage, and refining the nasal tip. Some ethnicities naturally have a wider nasal base that can be corrected by a facial plastic surgeon with expertise in ethnic rhinoplasty techniques.

Hanging Columella

The columella is the tissue that separates the nostrils at the base of the nose. A hanging columella occurs when the connective structure drops lower than the base of the nose so it can be seen in the profile. Some patients are born with this feature, while others can have a long septum that pushes the columella downward. A hanging columella can be corrected with a rhinoplasty procedure and can be altered without reshaping any other portion of the nose.

Learn more about rhinoplasty here.

Concerns with Your Nose? Dr. Miller can Help

Dr. Philip Miller is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience in facial procedures including rhinoplasty. He provides a supportive environment for patients to explore their aesthetic beauty with his proprietary Natralook® process. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how rhinoplasty can change your appearance for the better. 

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.