Can Botox Raise the Nose Tip?

Question

I've heard that Botox can be used to elevate the nose tip. Is this true? If so, how effective is it?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

When people smile a muscle in the upper lip, called the depressor nasii septi, to pull down the the tip of the nose. In some individuals this can be quite pronounced. By injecting botulinum toxin into this muscle, the muscle is weakened causing the nose to remain up when smiling.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to go over your desired results. Facial fillers like Voluma, Restylane, and Juvederm along with Botox can be used to improve the symmetry of the nose and lift the tip; however, it won't make the nose appear smaller. Surgery would be needed to improve the nostrils or overall shape. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any nonsurgical methods to reliably raise or rotate the position of the nasal tip. Botox to the depressor septi muscles may not lead to a desirable result. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In select patients, Botox can be used to raise the tip of the nose slightly. This is most effective for dynamic muscle action that occurs with smiling and causes the tip to come down further. Filler injections can be used to shape the tip of the nose so that it appears to elevate. These changes with injectable treatments are temporary. Permanent nasal changes require surgery.
Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty specialist who also performs non-surgical nose jobs to discuss the options.
All the best,

Rupert Critchley, MD, MRCGP · Answer

Hi there many thanks for your question! Personally I use a small injection of hyaluronic acid based dermal filler to elevate the tip of the nose to around 130 degrees (the perfect angle aesthetically) with great result. Botox is used to relax muscles so really does not have a place here in helping elevate the tip. Hope this helps and good luck! Best wishes, Dr Rupert

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

If, and only if, your nasal tip drops/plunges when you smile - then botox can be used to treat the muscle that causes this dynamic change.

	If your nasal tip is always low, regardless of your facial expression or at rest...then Botox will not help.  Traditional surgery would be required.

	 

	All the best,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox is specifically used to minimize dynamic rhytids of the forehead, lateral canthus, glabella, perioral region, and chin.  There is abundant clinical evidence to support its continued use in these aesthetically important areas of the face.
The use of Botox to alter the structure of the nasal tip has been described anectdotally and this use is not widespread among practitioners. 
There are many potential uses of Botox in areas in which dynamic muscles alter the external anatomy of the face. 
During a consultation, a conscientous practitioner assumes the role of patient advocate and should advise patients on the practical benefits of a particular treatment.  Botox injection to the nasal area may provide improvement but the results are not sustainable or predictable enough to warrant its widespread use.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Sam,
Yes it is possible for Botox to raise the nip of the nose.  The mechanism is by paralyzing the depressor muscle which pulls down on the nose.  However, this may not be effective for all people.  It all depends on the anatomy of your nose.  You should see out a doctor with extensive experience in Botox injection.
David Shafer, MD
New York City

TJ Tsay, MD · Answer

Botox can be used to raise the tip of the nose if the muscle that pulls the tip down is pretty strong. If so the results are minimal to mild. Another nonsurgical treatment is using PDO threads to lift the tip and provide support to the columella (spine of nose in betweel nostrils). This provides quite an impressive lift for a nonsurgical procedure and the satisfaction rate is extremely high with very rare complications.Best of luck. Dr. T

Blake Raggio, MD · Answer

SORT OF REAL ANSWER: Yes, Botox can be used to elevate the tip. This work by paralyzing a muscle (depressor septi mm, DNS) which tends to pull down the nose during certain facial expression such as smiling.
REAL ANSWER: The effect of paralyzing the DNS and its effect on tip elevation/rotation is minimal at best. Often times, there are other factors at play contributing to the under-rotated or ptotic and droopy appearance of the nose. Surgical Rhinoplasty, typically via an Open Rhinoplasty Approach, would be the best option for addressing concerns of tip rotation.
Hope this Helps,
Blake Raggio, MD (@dr.raggio)