I'm 20 and I am a mouth breather, can I fix my features without surgery in any other way? (photos)

Question

I've been a mouth breather since I was a child, and it has changed my looks quite much. My nose got a bit bigger, and my forehead is sloping, I also have a little bit of a gummy smile. I started practicing breathing through my nose, and keeping my lips and teeth together and my tongue on the roof of my mouth. Is this going to help me? Do I have a chance to change my looks by doing this? Is there still hope for me even though I'm 20?

Sophie Ricketts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi,I think your mouth breathing may not be a result of nasal obstruction but of "lip strain" due to your facial skeletal structure.If you had a cephalogram done which is a special X-ray used to measure your facial proportions you would probably find that you have a slightly longer than average lower face. This is likely partly to do with vertical maxillary excess which is where your upper and/or lower jaw is has a longer dimension which brings your upper teeth lower relative to your upper lip, resulting in a gummy smile.The effect of this is slight 'strain' in getting your lips together, so in repose (relaxed lips) you naturally tend to be in a 'mouth open' pose.I would recommend seeing a craniofacially trained plastic surgeon to discuss your facial proportions. The discussion may end in you deciding you do not wish to change your facial structure at all! - which is perfectly reasonable, since it is moderately involved surgery (to change the position of your upper and lower jaws - bi-maxillary osteotomy) and orthodontics (braces) would almost certainly be necessary.Take care and good luck!

Carlos L. Wolf, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that your attempt at changing  your habits will help you change your looks or the problem with mouth breathing. You need to be evaluated by an ENT Facial Plastic surgeon who is trained in both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your upper areo-digestive system.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Hello. Thanks for your request and message. First of all, the appearance of your forehead, nose and lip have nothing to do with your breathing. Similarly, no "exercise" is going to change the anatomic features of your face. Breathing problems can be either surgical or medical, I would seek the expertise of a rhinoplasty surgeon for a clinical assessment.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photo.  I don't think you have done anything to impact the shape of your face. I cannot think of a way that "mouth breathing" would result in any significant changes especially the changes that you have described.  Since these changes are mostly genetic they are programmed to occur and not much can be done at a personal level to change them one way or another.  There are some options of correcting the issues that you have listed.  It will be important to consider, however, what is most important to you as well as an appreciation for who you are as you are.I hope this helps.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,
I think this is question related to function and not with the aesthetics and therefore not only an examination in persone and some investigations will be needed to really answer you well.
Wish you all the best

I'm 20 and I am a mouth breather, can I fix my features without surgery in any other way? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Facial changes

Answer: Facial changes

Answer: Mouth breather- can I fix my features without surgery ?

Answer: Mouth breather- can I fix my features without surgery ?

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I'm 20 and I am a mouth breather, can I fix my features without surgery in any other way? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Facial changes

Answer: Facial changes

Answer: Mouth breather- can I fix my features without surgery ?

Answer: Mouth breather- can I fix my features without surgery ?

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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.