I had double jaw surgery 15 months ago and it changed my nose. I already had a tiny nose but now its wider, slightly upturned and shows more nostril. I feel like it throws off the balance of my face but not sure if i just have to get used to it? My philtrum appears longer now but when i look at before and after jaw surgery, it seems its my nose thats mostly the issue. I dont think im a good candidate for a lip lift to shorten philtrum length because of the angle of my nose. Thoughts?
Answer: Rhinoplasty and Facial Balance Thanks for the detailed question — this is a common and very valid concern following orthognathic (double jaw) surgery. You're absolutely not alone in noticing changes to the nose, philtrum, and overall facial balance. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely going on: Why Your Nose Changed After Jaw Surgery: Widening of the Nose – Advancing the maxilla (upper jaw) tends to widen the alar base (the outer edges of the nostrils). This is particularly noticeable if no alar base cinch suture was done during surgery. Nasal Tip Rotation (Upturned Nose) – When the upper jaw moves forward and/or upward, the nasal spine and septum are repositioned. This can cause the tip to rotate upward, increasing nostril show. Longer-Looking Philtrum – This is partly an optical illusion. With the tip rotated up and nostrils more exposed, it can visually elongate the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip — even if the actual philtrum length hasn’t changed drastically. So, What Are Your Options? 1. Rhinoplasty (Highly Considered in Your Case) Since your nose was small to begin with and now appears wider and more rotated, a conservative, finesse rhinoplasty could: Narrow the base (alar base reduction) Derotate the tip slightly Reduce nostril show Restore facial balance, especially in profile and frontal views This type of revision is commonly done post-jaw surgery to “fine-tune” proportions once the skeletal foundation has healed. Lip Lift? You’re absolutely right to be cautious. A lip lift in the context of a short nose or upturned nasal tip can create awkward angles or make the nose look even more prominent. It can also worsen nostril show. Unless the philtrum is truly long on precise facial analysis (which would involve front and lateral view measurements), a lip lift might not help — and could potentially disrupt harmony further. Let me know if you'd like a list of specific aesthetic goals to bring to a consult.
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Answer: Rhinoplasty and Facial Balance Thanks for the detailed question — this is a common and very valid concern following orthognathic (double jaw) surgery. You're absolutely not alone in noticing changes to the nose, philtrum, and overall facial balance. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely going on: Why Your Nose Changed After Jaw Surgery: Widening of the Nose – Advancing the maxilla (upper jaw) tends to widen the alar base (the outer edges of the nostrils). This is particularly noticeable if no alar base cinch suture was done during surgery. Nasal Tip Rotation (Upturned Nose) – When the upper jaw moves forward and/or upward, the nasal spine and septum are repositioned. This can cause the tip to rotate upward, increasing nostril show. Longer-Looking Philtrum – This is partly an optical illusion. With the tip rotated up and nostrils more exposed, it can visually elongate the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip — even if the actual philtrum length hasn’t changed drastically. So, What Are Your Options? 1. Rhinoplasty (Highly Considered in Your Case) Since your nose was small to begin with and now appears wider and more rotated, a conservative, finesse rhinoplasty could: Narrow the base (alar base reduction) Derotate the tip slightly Reduce nostril show Restore facial balance, especially in profile and frontal views This type of revision is commonly done post-jaw surgery to “fine-tune” proportions once the skeletal foundation has healed. Lip Lift? You’re absolutely right to be cautious. A lip lift in the context of a short nose or upturned nasal tip can create awkward angles or make the nose look even more prominent. It can also worsen nostril show. Unless the philtrum is truly long on precise facial analysis (which would involve front and lateral view measurements), a lip lift might not help — and could potentially disrupt harmony further. Let me know if you'd like a list of specific aesthetic goals to bring to a consult.
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May 27, 2025
Answer: Changes to the nose during orthognathic double jaw surgery During double jaw surgery one of the main support mechanisms to your nose, the septum, is disarticulated or separated from your cheek bone (maxilla). Once it is separated, the tip loses support and as a result will tend to widen and rotate upwards, shortening and flattening the nose. The philtrum appears longer due to a lack of support along the bottom or caudal part of your septum and nose. Structure and support must be added back to the nose to restore the natural shape and length. The best option for this support tends to be cartilage (rib cartilage) from your own body, and in an experienced surgeon's hands you can achieve a nasal shape even prettier than your original.
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May 27, 2025
Answer: Changes to the nose during orthognathic double jaw surgery During double jaw surgery one of the main support mechanisms to your nose, the septum, is disarticulated or separated from your cheek bone (maxilla). Once it is separated, the tip loses support and as a result will tend to widen and rotate upwards, shortening and flattening the nose. The philtrum appears longer due to a lack of support along the bottom or caudal part of your septum and nose. Structure and support must be added back to the nose to restore the natural shape and length. The best option for this support tends to be cartilage (rib cartilage) from your own body, and in an experienced surgeon's hands you can achieve a nasal shape even prettier than your original.
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March 31, 2025
Answer: Can a rhinoplasty help balance my face? A rhinoplasty could refine those aspects and make your nose proportionate with the rest of your features. That said, facial balance is incredibly nuanced, and sometimes it takes time for your perception to adjust after such a significant change. An upturned nose, combined with a longer philtrum, can create a challenging appearance, especially when the nostrils are more visible. A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty who understands facial proportions would be the best option for evaluating your nose and philtrum together, as well as your overall facial harmony. Such a consultation could help provide clarity. Such a consultation can confirm if subtle refinements would restore facial balance.
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March 31, 2025
Answer: Can a rhinoplasty help balance my face? A rhinoplasty could refine those aspects and make your nose proportionate with the rest of your features. That said, facial balance is incredibly nuanced, and sometimes it takes time for your perception to adjust after such a significant change. An upturned nose, combined with a longer philtrum, can create a challenging appearance, especially when the nostrils are more visible. A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty who understands facial proportions would be the best option for evaluating your nose and philtrum together, as well as your overall facial harmony. Such a consultation could help provide clarity. Such a consultation can confirm if subtle refinements would restore facial balance.
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February 18, 2025
Answer: Rhinoplasty Hello and thank you for your questions. I feel as though you would benefit from an in person consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. This would allow for photograph review and a discussion about your goals and realistic expectations.
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February 18, 2025
Answer: Rhinoplasty Hello and thank you for your questions. I feel as though you would benefit from an in person consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. This would allow for photograph review and a discussion about your goals and realistic expectations.
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November 27, 2024
Answer: Balanced Rhinoplasty! Thanks melaniiie for your question! After a major treatment like double jaw surgery, it's quite normal to feel a little unsettled. Even though the surgery's primary focus is on the jaw, it occasionally has an indirect effect on how your nose looks. This is due to the fact that shifting your jaw can change how your face features are balanced overall. Restoring facial harmony and refining your nose can be accomplished via rhinoplasty. Your particular issues regarding your nose, including its breadth, tip location, and visibility of your nostrils, might be addressed by a qualified plastic surgeon. What a rhinoplasty may do is as follows: Make your nose narrow: A rhinoplasty might assist to narrow the nasal bones and cartilage if you feel that your nose is broader than you would like. Adjust the tip: To produce a more harmonious and attractive appearance, the surgeon might fine-tune the location and form of your nasal tip. Reduce nostril visibility: You may lessen the visibility of your nostrils by using techniques like alar base reduction. Before thinking about a rhinoplasty, it is usually advised to wait until the soft tissue alterations and edema following the jaw surgery have completely subsided. Usually, this takes a year or so. You can talk about your particular concerns and objectives during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your face and nose characteristics and suggest the best course of action to get the results you want. Realistic Expectations: While rhinoplasty can significantly improve your appearance, it's important to have realistic expectations. A skilled surgeon will work to enhance your natural features and create a harmonious and natural-looking result. Hope this was helpful! Best wishes, Dr Ali Sajjadian TRIPLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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November 27, 2024
Answer: Balanced Rhinoplasty! Thanks melaniiie for your question! After a major treatment like double jaw surgery, it's quite normal to feel a little unsettled. Even though the surgery's primary focus is on the jaw, it occasionally has an indirect effect on how your nose looks. This is due to the fact that shifting your jaw can change how your face features are balanced overall. Restoring facial harmony and refining your nose can be accomplished via rhinoplasty. Your particular issues regarding your nose, including its breadth, tip location, and visibility of your nostrils, might be addressed by a qualified plastic surgeon. What a rhinoplasty may do is as follows: Make your nose narrow: A rhinoplasty might assist to narrow the nasal bones and cartilage if you feel that your nose is broader than you would like. Adjust the tip: To produce a more harmonious and attractive appearance, the surgeon might fine-tune the location and form of your nasal tip. Reduce nostril visibility: You may lessen the visibility of your nostrils by using techniques like alar base reduction. Before thinking about a rhinoplasty, it is usually advised to wait until the soft tissue alterations and edema following the jaw surgery have completely subsided. Usually, this takes a year or so. You can talk about your particular concerns and objectives during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your face and nose characteristics and suggest the best course of action to get the results you want. Realistic Expectations: While rhinoplasty can significantly improve your appearance, it's important to have realistic expectations. A skilled surgeon will work to enhance your natural features and create a harmonious and natural-looking result. Hope this was helpful! Best wishes, Dr Ali Sajjadian TRIPLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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