Can Nose Surgery Fix a Short Upper Lip? (photo)

Reducing the overall projection of the nose will help with the upper lip show.  When patients are breathing through their mouth they most likely have a deviated nasal septum.  It is also important to evaluate the depressor septi ligament which can be released so that the tip does not droop down upon smiling.  This will also help slightly with the gum show and lengthening of the upper lip.  A small chin implant can be placed in the mental area to give a bit more projection to the chin area. This would give the effect of facial balance and would also help give the illusion that the tip of the nose is not as projected.

Dear orla1986,

You are appear to be a good condidate for a volume reduction rhinpplasty that would also bring the nose back closer to the face. This deprojection of the nose willrelieve any tension on the upper lip and give the impression of more length to the upper lip. Physical examination of the nasal passages will determine if you have a septal deviation that requires correction as well. Consultation with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and computer imaging will help you visualize how the upper lip will look when the nose is brought back. Good luck

Dr. Tom Kaniff

Dear orla1986,


Undergoing rhinoplasty surgery with chin augmentation would be appropriate for you if you wanted to achieve more facial balance

The upper lip could not necessarily be released, you could try a little augmentation with a filler to let your lips show more when you smile

As for the mouth breathing, you probably have some blockages inside the nose that keeps you from breathing through your nose, once these are opened, you shouldn't need to breathe through your mouth any longer


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani