Why my nose droops when I smile? Is it normal? (photos)

Question

Good afternoon.Why my nose droops when I smile?Is it normal?Is it too pointy?Could strenghtenning nose muscles with facial exercises help the tip of the nose not to go down?Thanks for answers.

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

It is completely normal for your nasal tip to droop with smiling. There is a muscle that controls your nasal tip motion called the depressor septi muscle and it causes your tip to drop lower with smiling. If this concerns you, it can be addressed during a rhinoplasty and these attachments can be released to prevent drooping from occurring with smiling.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When patient's have a droopy tip  and it points downward when smiling is due to the presence of having a active depressor septi ligament. The depressor septi ligament must be released at the time of the rhinoplasty to stop the tip from drooping with animation.

Satyen Undavia, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. The muscle listed above is the reason that your nose drops when you smile. It is a very common issue, but some people have more pronounced function than others. It can be difficult to treat as cutting this muscle during surgery can lead to unwanted effects. Botox is another option and might be more reasonable as the effects are temporary. I have not heard of any physical therapy or exercises to treat this issue, but I'm sure it can't hurt. Good luck!

Geoffrey Keyes, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not uncommon for the nasal tip to droop when you
smile.  You could benefit from having the
overall length of your nose reduced and brought closer to your face, as well has
have the tip supported with a vertical cartilage graft to the columella.

This added support will prevent the nose from pulling down
with smiling.  In addition, often times  we surgically detach the nasalis muscle that stands out over the upper lip
bone and when contracting pulls the tip down. 
The combination of detaching muscle and providing tip support with a
cartilage graft improves the appearance and takes away the tendency for the
nasal tip to droop when smiling.

Shady Hayek, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for this important question. To have a more accurate answer a physical exam is a must. However,  from the photos that you have sent I could notice that you nasolabial angle does not change with your smile. What changes is your mandible that is already retruded (micrognathia) and thus give the illusion that your nose is drooping. Based on that I would advise you to a dress your chin before addressing your nose. Again I would insist on a face to face physical exam in order to confirm those findings.best, Shady Hayek, M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Beirut, Lebanon

Why my nose droops when I smile? Is it normal? (photos)

Answers (5)

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