Bulbous Nose Tips - What are the nose job / rhinoplasty options?

What is a Bulbous Nose?

A bulbous nose is large and very rounded, often with a very prominent tip. This can lead to an unbalanced appearance to the nose and the face, overall. A bulbous nose can cause a loss in confidence and self-esteem. Although some people have a bulbous nose from youth, for others their nose may have become bulbous through a medical condition or injury.

A bulbous nose or bulbous nose tip is a common concern that people wish to treat, and Rhinoplasty surgery is usually the best means of achieving this as the only way to permanently change the structure of the nose.

What Causes a Bulbous Nose?

Although some people’s noses grow into a bulbous shape through youth, some people find their noses develop into a bulbous shape as they become older. There are a number of causes of a bulbous nose or bulbous nasal tip.

Genetics – The shape and structure of the nose are often determined by genetics. Some people are more likely to have a bulbous nose if members of their family do.
Cartilage and tissue structure – The shape and position of the soft tissue and cartilage that make up the nose will heavily affect its shape. If they are wide or thick in areas of the nose, including the tip, this will impact the overall appearance.
Rhinophyma – This is a symptom associated with severe cases of the skin condition, Rosacea. It causes the skin at the end of the nose to become thickened and red, resulting in a bulbous, swollen appearance due to inflammation and blocked oil glands in the skin.

The best treatment for a bulbous nose will depend on the cause. For patients who have a bulbous nose due to the structure of the tissue or genetic factors, bulbous nose Rhinoplasty surgery may be an appropriate initial approach. However, for patients whose nose shape is affected by a condition such as Rhinophyma, you may need to speak to a dermatologist or another specialist first to treat the condition before surgery is suitable.

Who Does it Impact?

A bulbous nose can affect anyone, however there are some people who may be predisposed to developing a bulbous nose. People who are more likely to have a bulbous nose include:

Men – Rhinophyma is more commonly seen in Caucasian men. The exact reason for this is not understood, however as Rhinophyma is usually seen in the later stages of Rosacea, it may be that men are less likely to seek treatment for the symptoms of Rosacea early on.
Those over the age of 50 – As well as Rhinophyma primarily occurring in men, it is most likely to arise in those aged 50-70. This is because it is the result of Rosacea having developed gradually over a number of years.
Some ethnicities – People from African, Asian, Scandinavian and Mediterranean backgrounds may be more likely to have a naturally prominent or bulbous nose. This is due to genetics.

Can You Treat a Bulbous Nose?

Treating a bulbous nose is possible, but it is important to find the right surgeon who specialises in treating your concerns and can achieve flattering, high quality results. Options for treating a bulbous nose include:

Surgical Rhinoplasty

For patients who have a bulbous nose resulting from genetic or structural factors, Rhinoplasty for bulbous nose is likely to be the most suitable solution. Surgical Rhinoplasty is permanent, and the shape and size of the nose can be adjusted to be more flattering and proportionate. There are different types of Rhinoplasty, and your surgeon will discuss which is most suitable for you in your consultation.

Rhino-Tip Surgery

If it is only the shape of the tip of your nose you are concerned about, you may be suited to Rhino-Tip Surgery. Bulbous tip Rhinoplasty focuses on reshaping and lifting the tip of the nose, while leaving the rest of the nose alone. Depending on the extent of your bulbous nose, this may not be suitable for all patients.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

Many patients opt for a Non-surgical Rhinoplasty to show how a Surgical Rhinoplasty may look. The results are not permanent and you will require appointments every 6-12 months to maintain the results.

Rhinophyma Treatment

For patients who are suffering from Rhinophyma, a dermatologist may prescribe medications which control and treat Rosacea. In more severe cases where the Rhinophyma is too developed, microdermabrasion or laser treatment may be required to reduce the excess, swollen skin.

What is Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty?

Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which reduces the size of the nose and results in a slimmer, more flattering shape. When considering this surgery, it is important to find a surgeon who will create a flattering and natural result.

Nose surgery for a bulbous tip typically involves reshaping the nose using cartilage grafts that have been sourced from your face or body. The cartilage grafts also add extra support to your nose to ensure your results are permanent, and your results feel secure.

Your surgeon will remove tissue and some cartilage from the tip of your nose before reshaping and restructuring your nose using the cartilage. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes 3-4 hours to complete. You can expect your nose job for bulbous tip to be fully healed within 8 weeks and your nose will have settled into its final shape within 6 months. Your surgeon will give you recovery and aftercare instructions. It is crucial to follow these to get the best results.

In instances where the bulbous nose is caused by Rhinophyma, specialist Rhinophyma Removal Surgery may be required. Excision can be used to remove the excess tissue and your surgeon will then reshape the tissue resulting in a flattering and slimmer nose. Excision may be combined with laser treatment or dermabrasion to enhance the final result. It is important to consider that you may need to continue Rosacea treatments to maintain the result and prevent the Rhinophyma from coming back.

What Are the Benefits in Having Bulbous Nose Surgery?

If you are concerned about the appearance of a bulbous nose having surgery to rectify this may have a number of benefits:

Improved appearance - If having a bulbous nose is affecting the proportions of your face, surgery will help to restore the balance of your facial features and make the nose less prominent.
Restored confidence – Having a bulbous nose is a common cause of low self-esteem or a drop in confidence. Undergoing a Rhinoplasty to treat a bulbous nose can help to alleviate this and increase confidence.
Improved breathing – In severe cases of Rhinophyma, the swollen tissue may impact the ability to breathe comfortably. By treating the Rhinophyma, normal breathing can be restored.

If you are interested in speaking to a specialist Rhinoplasty surgeon, contact our dedicated patient advisors to organise a one to one bespoke consultation at our Chelsea based clinic.

Bulbous Nose Job Before and Afters

When considering bulbous Rhinoplasty, it is important to look at bulbous nose job before and after photos from your surgeon’s previous surgeries so you can see the results that are possible for you, and also understand the quality of your surgeon’s work. Your surgeon should show you a range of before and after photos during your consultation.

We have compiled a selection of before and after photos from all of our specialist Rhinoplasty surgeons in our Rhinoplasty Before and After Gallery. These include a range of surgery options, including bulbous nose jobs.

How Much Does a Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty Cost?

Bulbous nose surgery at Cadogan Clinic starts from £6,900. Your surgical package at Cadogan Clinic will include:

Up to 2 one to one consultations with an expert Rhinoplasty surgeon at our surgery centre of excellence, based in Chelsea, London.
A pre-assessment to ensure you are fit and well for surgery.
A dedicated patient advisor who will be your point of contact throughout your surgical journey.
Your surgery carried out in one of our state of the art, onsite surgical theatres.
24/7 access to our specialist cosmetic nurses for any questions about your aftercare.

We also offer finance options through our partner Chrysalis Finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bulbous nose impact breathing?

In severe cases excess tissue around the tip of the nose caused by Rhinophyma may impact breathing making it uncomfortable or difficult to breathe. However, this is less likely in instances where the bulbous nose is caused by genetics. Your Rhinoplasty surgeon will be able to discuss your concerns about having a bulbous nose and also address your breathing difficulties - often with a Septo-Rhinoplasty.

Can alcohol cause a bulbous nose?

It used to be thought that excessive alcohol consumption may lead to Rhinophyma, however it is now believed that this is not the case. However, for some people who are suffering from Rosacea, alcohol can be a trigger and may worsen symptoms, which may speed up the development of Rhinophyma in patients who would have gone on to develop it down the line.

How long is Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty recovery?

Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty recovery usually takes up to 8 weeks. For the first week you will need to wear a splint to support and protect your nose. You will also need to avoid any strenuous activity and exercise for 6 weeks to prevent any complications. You can expect any swelling and bruising to subside after around 2 weeks, however your nose may not settle into its final shape until 6 months into your recovery. Your surgeon will explain all of this during your consultation and will ask you to be patient in waiting for the final results to appear.

How effective is Rhinophyma surgery?

Rhinophyma surgery can be very effective in removing the excess tissue and reshaping the nose. However, it is important to treat the underlying cause and keep your Rosacea under control to maintain your results. Your surgeon may ask you to make sure you are on an ongoing and stable Rosacea treatment plan before you undergo Rhinophyma surgery to make sure you get the best results.

Words From Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Rhinoplasty is often an effective treatment to address a bulbous nose. However a bulbous nose can stem from various underlying causes, including conditions such as Rosacea, meaning treatment needs to be bespoke for each patient and may need to be carried out in multiple stages. We tailor each procedure to address the unique concerns of every patient. By reshaping the nose and removing any bulbous shape from the tip, we enhance the overall appearance and also improve confidence.

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Treatments mentioned in this article

Face & Eyes

Nose Tip Rhinoplasty

A nose tip lift aims to improve your profile by lifting the tip of a downturned nose.

Face & Eyes

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, reduces the shape and size of the nose for health and aesthetic purposes.

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