Are You Worried About An Aging Nose?

Many things change as we age, but it may come as a surprise to learn that our noses change as well. Even if you are relatively happy with the appearance of your nose, its shape and size can change as you get older, and you may look in the mirror and see a larger looking, droopy, rounder shaped nose. This can change the way your face looks, making your nose out of proportion with the rest of your face and giving you an older appearance.

In this blog, top NYC facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Thomas Romo III will explain some common concerns about the aging nose and how it can be addressed.

What changes occur in an aging nose?

Cartilage and bone help provide a supportive framework for your nose, but over time, they start to weaken and can make the tip of your nose look widened. This effect can also cause the appearance of a hump on its bridge.

The changes that occur can vary from person to person. If you have cartilage that’s more stiff and rigid, you may not see changes that are very significant. However, if you have softer cartilage, the appearance of your nose may change in a more significant way. This can cause Tip Ptosis, which is when your nasal tip starts to severely droop.

In some cases, the aging nose can make it look as though the tip of your nose is sinking into your upper lip area.

This process is worse in postmenopausal women because the loss of estrogen causes the cartilage to get weaker. Therefore you lose support to the nasal tip.

What can you do to change an aging or drooping nose?

If a drooping nose is making you look older than you feel and you want to regain a more youthful appearance, you may want to consider having a rhinoplasty performed. This surgical procedure, also known as a Reduction Structured Rhinoplasty, can help straighten and give your tip support.

Depending on your individual needs and preferences, rhinoplasty for an aging nose can include reducing or repositioning lower lateral cartilage, using grafts to help lift and define your nose, and/or utilizing a cartilage graft to help lift and support the tip. This can help keep the nose from drooping again as it continues to age over time.

Unlike many younger patients who seek rhinoplasty surgery for significantly reducing the size or refining the shape of their noses, most patients who are worried about an aging nose and its effect on their overall appearance don’t want a drastic change. Instead, they simply want a natural looking nose that will evenly balance out their face.

Where should you get treatment for your aging nose in NYC?

When considering any type of plastic surgery, you should seek out a surgeon who is extremely well qualified and experienced. Dr. Thomas Romo III is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. He is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at both Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital/Northwell Health System and has helped patients from around the world improve their appearance.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Romo has combined the highest level of technical and artistic expertise with a commitment to compassionate care. He has extensive cosmetic specialized experience in performing rhinoplasties, including those performed to correct an aging nose to achieve natural-looking results.

If you’re concerned about the changing appearance of your aging nose and want to find out if rhinoplasty is right for you, make an appointment today for a consultation with Dr. Romo. For patients who live outside the NYC area or those who would simply like more convenience and privacy, Dr. Romo offers a virtual consultation option as well.