Bulbous Nose

There are several treatment options that can improve the appearance of a bulbous nose. One common treatment is a surgical rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job.” More recently a “non-surgical nose job” has become available by using injectable fillers like Juvederm to change the look of your nose.

Bulbous Nose Treatments at Integrated Aesthetics

You may be unhappy with your appearance if the tip of your nose is enlarged or bulbous. A bulbous nose may be caused by your genetic predisposition or your unique cartilage anatomy. The condition may also be caused by an underlying skin condition like rosacea. It is important to note that while a bulbous nose is commonly thought to be due to excessive alcohol consumption, there is actually no link between the two. There are several treatment options that can improve the appearance of a bulbous nose. One common treatment is a surgical rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job.” More recently a “nonsurgical nose job” has become available by using injectable fillers like Juvederm to change the look of your nose.

What Causes a Bulbous Nose?

If the tip of your nose is enlarged or bulbous, it might be the result of genetics or underlying skin conditions that can cause thick skin. Some people, especially people of South Asian or African descent, may have a low or narrow nasal bridge causing the tip of the nose to look bulbous. Oil glands can become enlarged, causing a bulbous look.

People who have overly developed cartilage at the tip of their nose and those who have convex nasal cartilage in the area may have an unwanted bulbous appearance. Rhinophyma, a type of rosacea, can develop if rosacea goes untreated and dilated blood vessels trigger chronic swelling. This disorder is most common in males between 50-60 years of age and those with a family history of rosacea. The best thing you can do to prevent a bulbous nose is to treat rosacea and other skin conditions that can cause thick skin.

Treatment Options for a Bulbous Nose

A rhinoplasty (“nose job”) is the most common way to treat a bulbous nose. Your doctor can choose from a wide array of rhinoplasty techniques, both surgical and nonsurgical. A surgical rhinoplasty can reshape the nose and the results are permanent. There are two different types of surgical nose jobs, open and closed. A surgical nose job requires anesthesia during the procedure and two weeks of downtime afterward.

A nonsurgical rhinoplasty can take under 20 minutes and the procedure requires no downtime. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty uses injections of fillers containing hyaluronic acid such as Restylane, Radiesse and Juvederm. No anesthesia is needed during the procedure and the results can last from 6-18 months. It is important to choose an experienced doctor to avoid misplaced filler that can cause risks.

Other treatment options include ablative lasers that smooth and tighten the skin while reducing its thickness. Dermabrasion can improve a mildly bulbous nose by removing the top to mid layers of the skin. Many doctors prefer to use a laser treatment that can deliver more precise results with fewer risks and shortened downtime.