Philtrum is about 20mm - how to lengthen naturally short nose?

Question

My philtrum is about 20mm and I was considering a lip lift but my upper lip is already bigger than my lower lip and I don’t want bigger lips. I realized that my nose is too short and far up my face so it made my philtrum longer. Is there any way to lengthen my nose downwards by 5mm to balance my face out. Also note that I am not old so my philtrum has naturally looked like this.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you do not want to do a lip lift because of the fear that is will make the upper lip fuller then you can be corrected with a rhinoplasty. Septal cartilage can be used to lower the septum and change the position of the columella. Also, you can use the sharp tip of the nose as well. You may want to consider decreasing the width of the nose at the same time.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The nose can be lenghtened. The cartilage from the nasal septum can be pushed outwards and forwards (septal extension graft) and that will hide some of the philtrum. 
Although your upper lip is big it does not show the pink vermilion. A conservative lip lift can be done as well. 
Regards
Dr. J

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you may benefit from a 
rhinoplasty with tip derotation.  The tip can be derotated with placement of extended spreader grafts.   You may also benefit from tip refinement. Your surgeon can accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your lower nose. Cartilage grafts may also be used to help improve tip refinement. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Philtrum is about 20mm - how to lengthen naturally short nose?

Answers (3)