Can I fix a tension nose/tension lip with rhinoplasty? What should I expect? (Photo)

Usually, performing rhinoplasty to improve a tension nose does not affect the upper lip much at all. Worst case scenario would be that an upper lip lift could be needed down the road, but I haven't had any patients ask about it. A well done rhinoplasty in this case makes a great improvement as the nose won't be pulling be out the lip any more. Be sure to see a rhinoplasty expert for consultation.

The anterior nasal spine is a piece of bone or cartilage that forms an obtuse angle between the bottom of the nose and upper lip. Though there is some upper lip weakness when this is removed, it does not lead to permanent immobility of the central upper lip. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Addressing a “tension nose/lip”. In some cases the situation, which is also referred to as a tethered lip, can be addressed by removing a small piece of bone where the nose meets the upper lip area which is called the nasal spine. In some cases some Cartilage in this area can also be removed from the base of the septum to create a slightly deeper angle between the columella of the nose and the lip and possibly reduce the tension that the lip and nasal tip exert on each other. Each case is different, and how much improvement there is depends on how much tissue or deficiency of tissue is involved.