Face has shape shifted into that of a witch. My nose is about to meet my cleft chin, is there a way to shorten my nose? (photo)

Question

I'm getting uglier every day. How is it possible my nose and chin keep growing soon they'll meet. I look exactly like a witch. Is there a way to shorten my nose without looking weirder then I already do? If I look in the mirror my nose and chin seem cool. Ut my prof is like omg

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

The short answer is, yes, a rhinoplasty can shorten and rotate (bring up) the tip. A strut graft alone will NOT do this and could lead to a tilting tent-pole effect (I've revised many such surgical misadventures). Dome division and lateral crural overlay techniques can rotate the tip as well as de-project it (bring it closer to the face) while also maintaining proper tip support and symmetry. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon can more thoroughly evaluate your anatomy in person and create a custom plan for improving the appearance of your nose. Do your research and I think you might really like the options available for improving your appearance.All the best,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Click on the "Learn more" link, just below my response, or go here:
FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_uglyface80.html
I made a computer morph of your nose, and an animation of the morph, to show the changes that are possible for your nose in truly expert hands.
Of course, the point is to elevate the tip as much as we can. You don't have an ugly face; you just have a longer-than-average nose!
But really! The one photo, no offense, was terrible for making a morph. I tried the best I could.
You should understand that the changes I demonstrated in the morph definitely require advanced techniques, techniques that most plastic surgeons cannot handle.  Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. Rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. Read that page very carefully. 
I'd love to hear what you think of the morph. Did it seem to address your main concerns? I could modify the morph to your taste if you wish.
Your nose is also a good example of why computer imaging is mandatory in rhinoplasty. You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.
In your case in particular, you need to find a surgeon who understands all of the issues I mentioned, and how they fit together, and who can actually accomplish them in surgery.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

You've made the correct assessment of what features of your nose are causing a problem. In the profile view,1. Your tip projects too far out from your face and 2. The tip drops down too far. Both of these features give your nose a longer than ideal appearance. The surgical approach would bring your tip closer to your face, gently rotate it up and give the tip support such that it does not drop down with smiling or appear long in profile. Dr. B.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty.  You may also benefit from a cephalic rotation
of your tip to turn up your tip slightly and a conservative dorsal hump
reduction.  Make sure you specifically look at
before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed
by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.
The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

Elevating the tip of the nose is a basic part of any rhinoplasty. The lower excess septal cartilage is trimmed, but the tip would have to be supported with a columella strut graft and the skin mobilised to redistribute over the new nose. You should get good results with this operation and feel much better about your appearance.

Face has shape shifted into that of a witch. My nose is about to meet my cleft chin, is there a way to shorten my nose? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Can my nose be made shorter?

Answer: Can my nose be made shorter?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Face has shape shifted into that of a witch. My nose is about to meet my cleft chin, is there a way to shorten my nose? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Can my nose be made shorter?

Answer: Can my nose be made shorter?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.