A bulbous nose is characterised by a nasal tip that appears wide, rounded or less defined. While this shape is completely natural, some people feel it makes the nose look more prominent or draws attention away from the rest of the face. A bulbous nasal tip can also appear different in photographs or profile, where lighting highlights the fullness of the area.
At British Face Clinic, we specialise in bulbous nose rhinoplasty to create a more defined and proportionate nasal tip. Our approach focuses on careful refinement rather than drastic alteration, ensuring your final result feels balanced, natural and consistent with your overall facial features.
What Is a Bulbous Nose?
A bulbous nose typically results from broad or thick lower nasal cartilages, thicker skin at the tip, or limited projection of the underlying nasal structure. These characteristics can make the nasal tip appear rounded or less sculpted, even when the rest of the nose is proportionate.
In many cases, the bulbous shape is inherited, reflecting natural variation in cartilage shape and thickness. It can also develop gradually as the soft tissues change with age. Whatever the cause, bulbous nose surgery can help refine the shape of the tip while maintaining a natural look.
Rhinoplasty for a bulbous nose can refine the nasal tip for a smoother, more defined contour that complements facial features.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Understanding the Appearance of a Bulbous Nose
A bulbous nasal tip can appear larger or rounder due to how cartilage and skin interact under the surface. When the cartilage is wide or separated and the skin is thick, light reflects more diffusely, making the tip seem broader or less contoured.
For some, this fullness gives the impression of a heavier nose even when the size of the bridge is balanced. Refining the nasal tip through rhinoplasty aims to enhance definition and contour, improving how the nose appears from both the front and side profiles.
When to Consider Treatment
People often seek bulbous nose correction when they feel the nasal tip looks disproportionately wide, rounded or undefined. The decision is usually motivated by the desire for more definition rather than a major reduction.
Treatment may be worth considering if:
- The nasal tip appears wide or heavy in photos or profile views
- The tip lacks contour or definition compared with other features
- Previous rhinoplasty has left the nasal tip too broad or uneven
The goal of bulbous nose rhinoplasty is subtle refinement, improving definition and proportion while preserving the natural harmony of your face.
Careful reshaping of nasal cartilage helps reduce roundness and enhance tip definition without altering overall nasal character.
How We Treat a Bulbous Nose
At British Face Clinic, rhinoplasty for a bulbous nose focuses on reshaping and refining the nasal tip to achieve smoother definition and improved proportion. The method chosen depends on the anatomy of the nose and the degree of correction required.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is the preferred approach for most bulbous tip corrections, particularly in moderate to severe cases. A small incision is made between the nostrils, allowing full visibility of the nasal framework. This enables precise sculpting and narrowing of the lower nasal cartilages and, if necessary, the placement of small grafts to improve definition and support.
This technique provides the most control over shape and contour, making it ideal for patients with thicker nasal skin or more prominent tip cartilage.
Closed Rhinoplasty
For mild cases, closed rhinoplasty may be suitable. All incisions are made inside the nostrils, meaning no visible external scars. This approach allows for subtle contour adjustments and fine-tuning of the nasal tip structure without major reconstruction. Closed rhinoplasty works best when the nasal cartilage is strong and only minimal refinement is needed to achieve a smoother, more proportionate appearance.
Individualised Treatment Planning
Every nose is different, so each treatment begins with a detailed consultation and facial analysis. During your assessment, we will evaluate the nasal cartilage, skin thickness and overall proportions to determine the most suitable approach.
Your bulbous nose surgery plan is designed specifically for you, taking into account your aesthetic goals and natural facial balance. The aim is to achieve definition and contour that feel both authentic and proportionate to your unique features.
Meet Mr Mrinal Supriya
FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS
Mr Mrinal Supriya is the Divisional Director of Surgery. He is highly experienced Head and Neck Surgeon, specialising in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the Divisional Director for Surgery at NGH in Northamptonshire and works as an ENT Consultant.
Mr Supriya is also the lead head and neck robotic surgeon at the University Hospital of Northamptonshire (2023). Previously, he held consultant positions at St. George’s University Hospital, London and Ninewells University Hospital, Dundee.
Mr Supriya has extensive experience in top hospitals around the world, including the UK, Australia and the USA. He has trained with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top facelift surgeons in the USA. Mr Supriya is among the 30 surgeons certified by the Royal College of Surgeons to provide facial cosmetic surgery in the UK (2022).
Why Choose Us for
Your Bulbous Nose Rhinoplasty?
Refining a bulbous nasal tip requires precision and an eye for facial balance. At British Face Clinic, all rhinoplasty procedures are performed by Mr Mrinal Supriya, one of only 30 UK surgeons certified by the Royal College of Surgeons (2022) to perform cosmetic facial surgery.
Patients are cared for by a specialist who focuses solely on facial procedures, supported by a dedicated clinical team from consultation through recovery.
- International Expertise: Mr Supriya has trained and practised internationally, bringing advanced rhinoplasty techniques to the UK.
- Facial Surgery Specialist: Among the small percentage of surgeons in the UK super-specialised in facial procedures.
- Natural Results: Refinement focused on proportion and definition while maintaining your unique features.
- Direct Consultations: Meet directly with the surgeon for transparent and expert advice.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: All post-operative appointments are included, ensuring continued support throughout your recovery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering bulbous nose rhinoplasty, booking a consultation is the best way to start. During your appointment, our team will assess your nasal structure, discuss your expectations and outline a treatment plan designed to deliver a balanced, natural definition that suits your face.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a bulbous nose?
A bulbous nasal tip is usually genetic, caused by broad or thick nasal cartilage and/or thicker skin at the tip. In some cases, ageing or previous surgery can make the tip appear rounder or less defined.
Can a bulbous nose be fixed without surgery?
Non-surgical options such as fillers can create temporary contour changes, but cannot permanently refine tip shape. Surgical rhinoplasty is the most effective way to address the underlying cartilage structure.
How does rhinoplasty fix a bulbous nose?
Rhinoplasty reshapes and refines the nasal tip cartilage, sometimes using sutures or grafts to create better definition. The procedure focuses on improving contour while maintaining the natural look of your nose.
In some cases, the bulbous nose can be primarily due to thick skin. These require skin thinning procedure which is usually carried out with LASER or Coblators.
Is a bulbous nose genetic?
Yes, most bulbous noses are hereditary and result from naturally wide nasal cartilage or thicker skin. Rhinoplasty can refine these features while preserving your individual characteristics.
Does a bulbous nose get worse with age?
In some people, the nasal tip can lose definition over time as skin thickens or cartilage softens. Rhinoplasty can restore structure and support for a more refined contour.
Will my nose look smaller after bulbous tip surgery?
The aim of surgery is to refine the nasal tip rather than make the nose smaller overall. Improved definition often creates the impression of a slimmer, more balanced nose.
What is the best surgery for a bulbous nose?
Open rhinoplasty is typically used for significant tip reshaping, offering greater precision and visibility. Closed rhinoplasty may be suitable for mild cases requiring minimal contour adjustments.
How much does bulbous nose rhinoplasty cost in London?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether previous surgery has been performed. A full quotation is provided during your consultation at British Face Clinic.
Our Locations
- London City
The Wellington Hospital, 15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
- London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
- Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
- Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
London City
The Wellington Hospital
15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
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