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

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately I am not able to view your photograph here. The key the fixing a tension tip is building strong support in the tip to prevent drooping later. 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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

A large hump on the nose can cause tightness if the upper lip. The lip will loosen up a bit after rhinoplasty if this is the case in your situation

Hi! Excellent question. In tension nose deformity the upper lip and nasal cartilages are suspended off an overlynprojected septum. When correcting this with rhinoplasty there will be some degree of increased lip length due to releasing this tension but this will vary depending on the specific anatomy and generally should look better after surgery. I recommend a consultation with a rhinoplasty specialist. Best of luck, Dr. Ghazizadeh

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.