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.
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