Why does my face/nose droop like this and can it be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I've had a rhinoplasty to fix my nose hump which was successful. But I feel like my nose has no support due to the curving it does when I have my head in certain positions. It's also not straight from my front view. My whole face droops but the nose is the worst. I'm wondering if the bottom half of my nose needs more support to keep it upright and straight? Does this need to be done through reconstructive rhinoplasty with a piece of my rib?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

It's probably not an issue of "support," and I don't see anything that would require rib. If the issue is "drooping," then elevating the tip is probably the thing to do. You only posted frontal views, but the profile and 3/4 views typically show drooping best, and allow for making morphs to fine-tune a goal for the operation. Asymmetries can usually be improved but not completely eliminated, but elevating the tip allows for better addressing of the asymmetries, so that helps.

How *much* to elevate the tip, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Finally, remember that 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. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

And for those who have had previous surgery, it also discusses how to tell whether your first surgeon should be performing your revision.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

If your nose is curving, twisting, or otherwise not where you want it to be after rhinoplasty a revision rhinoplasty may be the answer.  Cartilage from a rib, your ear, or a donor rib can often be used to reinforce the structure.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s hard to understand what the problem is based on the pictures and what you describe. I suggest you follow up with your rhinoplasty surgeon if you have concerns regarding the outcome of the procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.

Why does my face/nose droop like this and can it be fixed? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Why does my face/nose droop like this and can it be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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