While it is true that your bones stop growing by the time you reach puberty, certain bodily tissues may continue to change throughout one’s lifetime. Your nose, which is comprised of bone, soft tissue/skin, and cartilage, may change shape as you age. The structures and skin of the nose lose strength with time and, as a result, the nose stretches out and sags downward. The glands within the skin, especially in the area of the tip may enlarge, causing a wider appearing nose which is actually heavier. While there is debate whether the cartilage itself actually grows, it can certainly appear that way from the outside.
How Your Nose Changes As You Age
By midlife, a nose that was just the right size and shape for your face throughout adolescence and young adulthood may suddenly appear too large, bulbous, or long. Over time your nose becomes entirely different than the one you become accustomed to viewing in the mirror in your youth. It may also work differently, as airflow patterns will be shifted as the nose changes shape.
While this process can be entirely normal, it is not always preferred. The nose is the centerpiece of the face- the main attraction. If its shape, size, or length is off-kilter, it will cause the rest of the face to appear less balanced and consequently, less attractive.
In today’s aesthetically-driven society, this can be a bitter pill to swallow.
But there are many corrective options available to patients who are unhappy with the toll time has taken on the overall structure of their nose.
Rhinoplasty for the Aging Nose
One such procedure, rhinoplasty, is utilized to modify overall nose structure, create facial balance, correct proportion, and improve function. It can also alter/ improve:
- Nose size in relation to facial balance
- Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
- Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
- Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
- Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
- Nasal asymmetry
Do not let a sagging nose drag you down. Be bold, take charge, and achieve a naturally balanced look.
Facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich is an expert on facial structure and aging. If you are concerned with the aesthetics of your nose, schedule a free consultation at our New York office. Dr. Westreich will evaluate your unique situation and create a surgical plan individualized to your needs.
