Do I Need A Tip Or Full Rhinoplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I want a rhinoplasty to change the shape of my nose. I have attached a picture of the type of changes that I want done to my nose. This is my effort at a little computer imaging with Photoshop. The first plastic surgeon I saw told me that  all I need is tip work while another plastic surgeon told me I have to do a  complete rhinoplasty to get that look. Please let me know what you think as I am confused.

A: The first thing I would say is to not get confused trying to decide whether you need a limited or full rhinoplasty. There are fee and recovery differences between  a tip rhinoplasty and a full rhinoplasty but the most important issue is what rhinoplasty techniques will give you the best result. The fundamental difference that separates the two rhinoplasties is that a more complete technique involves osteotomies or the narrowing of the nasal bones due to significant hump reduction. When you have a difference of opinion between two board-certified plastic surgeons on a limited vs a full technique it is usually because you could go either way. This is computer imaging can be so useful. Imaging allows discussion about different changes and how they might affect the overall look.  The techniques used to achieve those goals are up to the surgeon at that point. You have shown only one photo of your nose from an oblique angle. It is impossible to say for sure what you may need from just this one angle. A front and side view would also be very helpful as the nose must be considered from numerous angles when considering a rhinoplasty change.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana