How can my nasolabial angle be reduced? (photo)

Question

As you can see , my philtrum slopes forwards, is it possible to bring it back to a more regular angle? I have had a consultation with PS who doesn't think he can help. I am hoping for a second opinion. I obviously have a dorsal hump and hanginging columella that i also want correcting. If the tip is brought in it will just accentuate my hump. The area under the nasal spine is quite fleshy and the philtrum can be pushed back when pressure applied. Thanks in advance

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The bump can be removed and the appearance you seek can be obtained with a closed rhinoplasty approach by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.  Chin implant may be considered once bite and occlusion information is obtained.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

John Frodel, MD · Answer

It appears that you have a few issues, all of which are correctable.  Regarding the "nasolabial angle", it is actually normal, but the tissue at the base of the columella (near the nasal spine) is indeed full.  This can be moved and improved.  While the tip may need to be recessed slightly, the main issue is the dorsal hump, which certainly can be improved.  I would not recess your columella. A significant issue which you do not address is your small chin and lower jaw.  It would be interesting to know if you had orthodontics in the past to correct your teeth in any way, as it appears your mandible is small.  Regardless, the lack of chin projection accentuates your nose and makes it look bigger than it actually is.  So a small chin implant or bony genioplasty could make a huge difference in your outcome.  I suggest you seek consultation with a surgeon well-versed in both rhinoplasty and chin surgery.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear LesPaul, You are a candidate for chin augmentation and rhinoplasty. When discussing the philtrum sloping forward and whether you can bring it back to a more regular angle is not really the issue here. What needs to be done is bring the nose and chin into better angles which will then reduce the visibility of the philtrum. With surgery you must take all facial aesthetics into consideration to bring the best harmony to the entire facial structure. In my personal opinion a good rhinoplasty and chin augmentation would be very helpful in bringing your facial features to the aesthetics you are requesting. In my office I use digital imaging which would show you the proposed surgical results. I would suggest seeing some surgeons for consultation and using digital imaging to help show you the possibilities of change that these procedures would bring. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

How can my nasolabial angle be reduced? (photo)

Answers (3)

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.

How can my nasolabial angle be reduced? (photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.