In our weekly Post Your Face column, Dr. Robert Freund answers readers' cosmetic surgery questions, and shows them how they'd look if they underwent the enhancement. To post your own face, visit postyourface.com.


Lindsay's Question: I love my nose from the front view, but I've always felt uncomfortable with my side profile in pictures. I'm interested in seeing what I would look like with a straighter nose.


Dr. Freund's Answer: One of the things I love about my work is realizing that small changes can make a big difference. Although your concern is the bump on your profile, there are two other features of your nose that deserve consideration.

1) The depression that separates the nose from the forehead (the glabella, indicated by "A" in the "Before" photo), should, at its deepest point, fall in line with your upper eyelashes. It is this depression that contributes to the perceived length of your nose. If the depression is shallow, then the nose appears longer. And if the glabella is low (at the level of your pupil), as yours is, the length of the nose may appear short and also make your bump look larger. Just a minimal adjustment to the glabella can make your nose look more balanced. You can see the difference in the "After" photograph where I have raised the glabella to the level of the upper eyelashes.
2) The area where your upper lip and nose meets is called the labiocolumellar angle ("B" in the photo). Your lip appears to be pulled up onto the nose a bit. By deepening this angle so that the lip falls back onto your face your nose might please you more.

Of course, removing the bump is your main concern. In your case, taking down the bump and lifting the position of the glabella to the level of the eyelashes should go hand in hand.

A Rhinoplasty (nose job) should cost $5,000-$8,000. Some words of warning: Rhinoplasty surgery has a 15% re-operation rate. Visit several doctors and pick the one that makes you feel most comfortable. Recovery comes in two phases. In the first two weeks you can expect bruising and some black and blue eyes. The second phase is the swelling phase, which typically lasts for up to 18 months.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Freund, MD, FACS

The health or medical information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions.