Can I decrease the vertical length of my nose? (Photos)

Question

I was considering getting rhinoplasty to reduce my nose size and dorsal bump but I was wondering if decreasing the vertical length of the nose is possible and if so to what degree

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

In my experience, the two photos show a prominent dorsal profile and a nose that may appear long in profile, but photos cannot measure nasal length, tip support, septum, or breathing. Rhinoplasty can sometimes shorten the apparent nose by adjusting tip projection or rotation and, when appropriate, the caudal septum or columella; reducing a dorsal hump changes the profile but does not automatically shorten the nose. The achievable change depends on skin, cartilage, facial proportions, and airway. Excessive rotation or shortening can cause nostril show, pinching, asymmetry, or breathing problems. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon with standardized views and discuss a natural target, airway preservation, scars, and revision risk; a photo cannot predict the degree safely possible.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, the vertical length can be decreased. However, in your case, I would not recommend that. Your nose is asymmetrical and your tip defining points are at different levels. You will need a rhinoplasty to correct this. You also have a small dorsal hump that needs to be corrected. The super tip concavity will probably be corrected by pulling your tip defining points together. You may also want to consider a chin implant.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

Yes, vertical length can be reduced, and it is a routine part of rhinoplasty rather than a separate procedure. It is achieved mainly by rotating and shortening the tip, trimming the septum at the front and lowering the dorsum, which is also what removes your bump. Realistically the change is measured in a few millimetres, typically two to four, and the limit is set by your septum and by how much skin can redrape without the tip losing support. Small changes here shift the whole balance of the face, so the number matters less than it sounds. Your achievable range can only be judged by examination.

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. 
In short, yes, you can absolutely decrease the length/projection of the nose. However, there is always a tradeoff when reducing the projection of the nose, as this can sometimes be at the cost of decreased tip definition. Part of what makes a well defined nasal tip is the appropriate amount of tension on the skin, and when the tension is decreased by deprojection, you can lose some of this definition. Your best option is going to be scheduling with a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty to thoroughly go through all the intricacies and expectations with your surgery.
Hope this helps and best of luck!Kyle Kimura, MD

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Yes, rhinoplasty can reduce the apparent vertical length of the nose, but only to a controlled degree. This is usually done by refining the dorsal hump, adjusting tip projection, and slightly rotating or supporting the tip if it is droopy.
The important point is balance. If too much length is reduced or the tip is rotated too high, the nose can look unnatural, shortened, or overdone. A conservative change is usually safer and more harmonious.
A dorsal hump can make the nose look longer and heavier from the side. Smoothing the bridge and improving the tip position may make the nose look shorter even without dramatically reducing the actual structure.
From the front, narrowing and tip refinement may also change how long the nose appears. But if your goal is simply a smaller, softer nose, the plan should be individualized rather than just “shortening” the nose.
My advice would be to ask for conservative rhinoplasty imaging focused on hump reduction, tip support, and subtle shortening. It is possible to improve the length and profile, but the goal should be proportional reduction while preserving your natural facial balance.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

For large noses reduction of the vertical length is part of the rhinoplasty; based on these photos your nose does not need vertical shortening. However, only on the basis of in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in rhinoplasty you will be able to find out what is best rhinoplasty in your case. Good luck

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Shortening the nose is often a standard part of rhinoplasty. Yours doesn’t need to be shortened much but it would be nice not to show so much nostril. That’s pretty simple to achieve

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your two photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained board certified plastic surgeon

Philip Wasicek, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Yes, it is possible to shorten someone's nose during a rhinoplasty. There are limitations with how much a nose can be shortened, and sometimes it also results in changes in rotation of the tip. 
I would recommend an in-person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty; and to ask them what changes may be reasonable/realistic. 
Hope this helps.

Can I decrease the vertical length of my nose? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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