Dr. Menachof, MD, FACS has performed thousands of facial plastic surgery procedures in over 20 years of experience. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of America’s Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.
Noses come in many different shapes and sizes. When people are unhappy with their nose shape they often decide to change it with a rhinoplasty procedure or “nose job”. Some patients are seeking a more rounded or pointed tip, while others prefer a flatter, smooth nasal structure. The nose shape often referred to as “ski slope nose” is a shape desired by some patients and disliked by others – it depends on the patient’s current nose and face shape. Whether you are wanting to obtain a ski slope shape or hoping to get rid of ski slope nose, a rhinoplasty nose job can help you get the nose shape you are looking for.
What Is a Ski Slope Nose?
A person with a ski slope nose, or ski jump nose, has a bridge of the nose that curves and indents before turning upward at the tip of the nose. This is also often referred to as a “Miss Piggy” nose when severe. The angle of a natural ski slope nose differs from person to person, but this slope can be adjusted, increased, or eliminated depending on the patient’s desired outcome. An experienced surgeon can easily create this sloped appearance, lessen the skip slope shape, or flatten out the tip completely.
Ski Slope Nose History – Then and Now
Years ago, the ski slope nose shape was often the desired result of a rhinoplasty procedure. To create this shape doctors remove excess tissue from the bridge of the nose in order to accentuate and narrow the tip of the nose. This procedure creates a standard, easily reproducible nose job that drew attention to the slender nose. Back then, the standardized nature of the procedure ignored the subtleties of each individual’s nose, and evidence of the operation was usually obvious.
Today, a more natural look for nose shapes has prevailed and the majority of nose job patients are hoping to reduce their ski slope nose. Improvements to the procedure have been made as high-quality surgeons have adapted their techniques to consider the qualities and features of each individual nose. This way they can tailor the rhinoplasty process and results to fit the overall facial appearance of each patient. Surgeons considering the individual subtleties of each facial structure make it possible to give the patient the exact nose shape he or she desires.
How to Fix a Ski Slope Nose
If you have a ski jump nose and are looking to flatten out the tip, there are a couple of options for you to consider. Procedures like a ski slope nose job or chin augmentation can even out your features and give you the look you’ve been wanting. You should consult an experienced surgeon to determine the best option and solution for your ski slope nose.
Ski Slope Nose Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a great option for those looking to treat a ski-slope nose and create a flattering, more natural shape through cosmetic surgery. During a ski slope nose job, the surgeon will make incisions on the inside of the patient’s nose and remove tip cartilage to lessen the tip’s lift or slope.
This procedure will create the desired natural balance between the nasal tip, nose bridge and nostrils and match them with the rest of the patient’s facial features. Ski jump nose rhinoplasty only takes place at the tip of the nose, meaning it is less expensive than a full rhinoplasty procedure. You can still expect to spend a few thousand dollars, but the results will last and your nose will finally have the shape you desire.
The healing process after a rhinoplasty depends on the patient. Typically there is no bruising or swelling after surgery because the bones weren’t altered, but a nose cast is required for about a week after the surgery. After that week, your surgeon will advise you to avoid touching the tip of your nose, take it easy, and engage in delicate cleaning processes until it is fully healed.
Chin Augmentation Paired with Rhinoplasty
A common recommendation from surgeons is to pair a rhinoplasty with a chin augmentation to fix a ski slope nose. Chin augmentations are simple procedures with a low risk of infection and additional complications, making them easy additions to rhinoplasties. During this procedure, surgeons will use silicone implants to enhance the shape of the chin and jawline.
The correct, nuanced combination of both procedures produces a more natural shape to the face, rather than bringing specific attention to the nose through isolated operation on the nose itself.
Talk to your surgeon about a chin augmentation to see if it would complement your rhinoplasty. Subtle adjustments to both the nose and chin provide the youthful, enhanced facial look, as opposed to a major operation on one facial feature alone being more noticeable. For those looking to fix a ski slope nose, a chin augmentation may be the perfect addition to your rhinoplasty.
Ski Jump Nose as a Result of Rhinoplasty
A ski slope nose can be a possible unwanted after effect of a rhinoplasty, if not done well. This is can happen when the doctor removes too much tissue from the middle section of the nose.
If you end up with an unwanted ski slope effect from your first rhinoplasty, a revision rhinoplasty may be a good solution for you. Since the subtle reshaping and settling of the nose can continue for up to a year post-operation, most surgeons recommend waiting at least a year after the initial rhinoplasty to undergo any revision procedure. Revision rhinoplasties differ in procedure based on previous rhinoplasties, but the healing process is similar to a first-time rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasties can cost nearly $10,000 on average, compared with around $7,500 for a first-time rhinoplasty.
How to Avoid Ski Slope Nose
The best way to avoid ending up with ski slope nose shape after a rhinoplasty – and paying the extra cost for a revision nose job – is to make sure you’re choosing the right surgeon for a first-time nose job. A one-time success should be the goal for every nose job. Avoid an unwanted ski slope nose after rhinoplasty by carefully reviewing your surgeon’s before and after rhinoplasty photos. If each rhinoplasty appears to have a similar ski slope nose result, that specific surgeon may not be the right choice for you. Choose a surgeon that does not focus solely on the shape of the nose in their rhinoplasties, but one that considers all facial features and works to balance the nose with the rest of them.
An experienced surgeon will be able to assess your unique situation at your initial consultation. Be clear with your surgeon about your desires. For example, if you have a dorsal hump, you may desire more of a ski slope nose shape, but not to the extent of a “Miss Piggy” nose. Surgeons can use technology designed to model what your nose shape will look like after a procedure, which allows you to get a realistic idea of what the surgical results will look like.
Do your research and consult a surgeon who will ensure a positive rhinoplasty experience and deliver the results that you want.
This blog was originally posted in August 2018 and has been reposted in 2020 with updated information.
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