Can a rhinoplasty correct a pig nose due to lip lift? (Photos)

Question

I want both lip lift and rhinoplasty. I’m finding lip lifts often pull the nostrils down creating a pig nose look. Could a rhinoplasty correct it? I want to get a rhinoplasty either way, so I was thinking of doing lip lift first, then after seeing how it affects my nose after say a year of fully healing, then I could asses how to go about my nose. I know you can do both simultaneously, otherwise the rhinoplasty is usually encouraged first, but due to the pig nose, I prefer this route.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think a lip lift is worthless. You are correct in noticing what one patient referred to as monkey face. You’re a great candidate for a rhinoplasty. Lip lift is not so great. Save yourself the money and aggravation

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.When you try to do lip lift or the rhinoplasty one after another will be much difficult. Since the incision site is the same in both, cutting the wound again after it heals will not be correct and will make the surgery difficult. Therefore, it will be much more easier to do it at the same time. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for the photos you provided.  Since rhinoplasty is one of the most complex of all plastic surgery procedures, requiring experience, skill, and even artistry to achieve an optimal outcome, it may be best to have this procedure done prior to a lip lift. Once you’ve healed from rhinoplasty and assessed the results, a lip lift procedure can then be considered. When performed correctly, the incision for a lip lift should be minimal and have little to no effect on the appearance of your nose. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, with expertise in rhinoplasty techniques. They will be able to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with you to help you decide on the best course of action.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

Given your concerns, I don't think your rationale is unreasonable at all. Have the lip lift (conservatively done) first, and then have a rhinoplasty a year later. I'd wait the full year for scar maturation and relaxation prior to any tip manipulation.
There are multiple maneuvers that can be done during a rhinoplasty to support the tip and prevent it from drooping.
Since you didn't ask about your nose itself, I won't make recommendations as your desired nasal appearance is completely individualistic.
Best of luck!
~Dr. Spalla

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, you should do both rhinoplasty and lip lift in the same time. Mayor element of lip lift is excision of the muscle in addition to the skin. For that reason, observation you made regarding appearance of nostrils is not seen in our patients?. However, doing lip lift after nose surgery result is stable and mature, would be safe. Good luck.

Can a rhinoplasty correct a pig nose due to lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (5)