How to drop the nasal tip down

Richard W. Westreich, MD answers: How can I fix my turned up nose?

The bridge of my nose is sloped so the tip is turned up at the end.  My nostrils are very visible and I hate it.  What are my options for getting this fixed?  Is nose surgery the only way, or do I have non surgical options?  

Richard W. Westreich, MD
16 months ago

The angle that the nasal tip makes with the upper lip when viewed from the side is medically referred to as "rotation." Your problem appears to be one of "over-rotation" which results in increased nostril visibility. In the context of nasal problems, this is a relatively uncommon one.

Defining the "best" nasal tip position is a very subjective idea. Many things play into the determination of whether your nasal tip is in the best possible place for you. The height of the bridge (where a bump usually is) often determines the best tip placement: a higher bridge usually goes best with a lower tip and vice-versa. The age of the patient is considered, as older patients typically want a longer, more elegant nose. The ethnicity of a patient is considered, as there are certain traits more typical to different groups of people. The height of a patient is usually considered, as shorter people can tolerate a more upturned tip (most people are going to be looking down at them, rather than up). A patient's facial shape helps to determine the optimal length for their nose, which is also related to the degree of rotation. Also, some people have jobs, such as waiters and airline workers who spend a lot of time interacting with people that are sitting while they stand. Considering a person as a whole in this manner typically results in the best decision for both the patient and the surgeon.

You describe a situation that is more common after previous surgery. However, certain ethnic groups - asian, african american, latino, and some caucasians - have characteristically shorter and more up-turned noses.

Since the biomechanical structure of the nasal tip exists in order to hold it up, de-rotating the nose is harder than lifting it. There are several surgical options that can be used, depending on your specific anatomy. They often give subtle, not extreme, correction of your problem. Sometimes the nose appears over-rotated due to a long nasal septum, which pushes out the columella (the skin that separates the nostrils). Shortening the septum can allow the nose to assume a more natural position.

I am not aware of any non-surgical options, other than filler injections to the nasal bridge. This may provide the illusion of dropping the tip, but it will not correct your nostril visibility. Botox might be used to derotate the tip, but it will likely create nasal obstruction as a side affect.

2 of 2 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Westreich

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy
More answers to How can I fix my turned up nose?

A: I assume that you never had a rhinoplasty before,...

Steven Wallach, MD
17 months ago

I assume that you never had a rhinoplasty before, because these are often the complaints of some patients that I see for secondary rhinoplasty procedures (operations performed after a patient's original rhinoplasty by another surgeon).

If the bridge is low, it can be augmented. If the nose is turned up, sometimes the nose can be de-rotated using several different techniques to bring it back down. Nostril visibility is often a complaint of patients undergoing secondary procedures, and there are a few ways to correct this as well.

2 of 2 found this helpful
Helpful?
Post your question

Rhinoplasty: 349 reviews

68% said it was worth it

Rhinoplasty before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.