What Causes a Short Nose?

Thanks for the interesting question. In patients who have not undergone prior surgery, the most common cause of a short, upturned nose is a lack of proper development of the septum. I've seen this many times in my rhinoplasty practice in patients with a severe septal deviation or septal fracture. In particular if the septum is fractured at a young age, it may grow in an abnormal fashion, failing to push the tip of the nose down and forward. The support along the bridge may be insufficient as a result as well.

I would recommend an evaluation with a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon to determine if this is the case for you. If you have difficulty breathing, correction of your nose with a reconstructive rhinoplasty may be covered by your insurance. Cartilage taken from your septum can be carved into extended spreader grafts and/or a caudal septal extension graft, to lengthen and counter-rotate your nose. 

Best regards,

Dr. Mehta

Thank you for your question. The lack of septal development is often due to trauma to the nose during childhood. A visit with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon might offer more insight into the cause of your short nose. No matter what the reason, this issue can usually be corrected with a well-performed rhinoplasty. Make sure the surgeon you choose has extensive experience and expertise in rhinoplasty techniques to ensure your result is natural, proportionate, and aesthetically pleasing.

 Traumatic injuries to the nose as a young child, including septal perforation and, insertion of foreign bodies in the nose as a youngster, and septal hematoma can all cause lack of development of the cartilaginous framework of the nasal septum. This will prevent normal development and projection of the nasal bridge line. Look for experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to reconstruct your nose bridge with either nasal or  ear cartilage.