How is a Nose Made Longer?

Question

I had an attractive long nose and just wanted it a bit slimmer and ended up with a short, stubby, piggish, bulbous nose. I am told I have no septum or cartilage left. What does a plastic surgeon usually do to make a nose longer again? Do you do anything with the septum?

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

The shortened nose or "pig nose" deformity is a common complaint following rhinoplasty surgery.  In order to lengthen the nose special grafts will have to be placed during revision surgery.  "Septal Extender" and "Extended Spreader" grafts can be placed to increase length.  Since you do not have septal cartilage, I would prefer to use rib cartilage for the procedure.  Rib will provide the most durable and lasting effects for this situation.  Good Luck....Dr. Corrado

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

This is one of the more complex rhinoplasty procedures. Lengthening a nose that  has been made too short from a previous rhinoplasty requires grafting usually from a rib or ear or both in order to achieve the necessary length since there is generally very little septum left to work with. Alternatively, irradiated rib cartilage from another source can be used as well. I would seek the consultation of a skilled rhinoplastic surgeon who specializes in revision procedures.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

If your nose is short and there is no septal cartilage left, we usually go to the ear. The rib can also be used but is much more uncomfortable.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear of your experience.  Cartilage grafting is usually necessary to improve a tip that has been shortened by rhinoplasty.  Typically strut grafts and onlay graft can be done to refine in length in the tip.Since you have no septal cartilage tear cartilage can usually be used to perform these procedures.Obviously you need to find an expert in rhinoplasty surgery.  Revision rhinoplasty is difficult and requires the skills of an experienced plastic surgeon.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to make the nose look longer without any cartilage grafting. It is one of the most difficult maneuvers to perform during a rhinoplasty operation. In trying to gain length, many times the tip of the nose comes up and looks too upturned. There are some tip techniques that are performed such as dome suturing techniques with cartilage struts and tip grafts to give more projection to the nasal tip, but we are only talking about several millimeters, not a large change. Scar contracture is also working against a tight skin envelope if this is a revision rhinoplasty.

How is a Nose Made Longer?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lengthening the Overly Shortened Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lengthening the Overly Shortened Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lengthening a shortened nose

Answer: Lengthening a shortened nose

Answer: Making a short nose longer.

Answer: Making a short nose longer.

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Answer: Cartilage grafting is usually done to make nose look longer.

Answer: Cartilage grafting is usually done to make nose look longer.

Answer: Nose lengthening difficult without grafts

Answer: Nose lengthening difficult without grafts

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How is a Nose Made Longer?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lengthening the Overly Shortened Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lengthening the Overly Shortened Nose After Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lengthening a shortened nose

Answer: Lengthening a shortened nose

Answer: Making a short nose longer.

Answer: Making a short nose longer.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Answer: Cartilage grafting is usually done to make nose look longer.

Answer: Cartilage grafting is usually done to make nose look longer.

Answer: Nose lengthening difficult without grafts

Answer: Nose lengthening difficult without grafts

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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.