Short nose. Can I get a rhinoplasty to prolong my nose? (Photo)

Question

I have an upturned short nose and am seeking a rhinoplasty that prolongs the nose. One doctor recommends using ear catilage for bringing down the nasal margins and rib cartilage for building up the nose tip, and another suggests making an internal incision in the nostril and using extra skin to bring down the sides of the nose without using cartilage material. I'm now confused which plan I should go for, and how to address the nasal asymmetry in line with the asymmetrical face as a whole.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

You definitely need rib cartilage to lengthen the nose and increase tip projection. There is no way in hell that you can use extra skin from the nose "to bring down the sides of the nose without using cartilage material". I would run away from this surgeon immediately. I recommend seeing an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience / practice.

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul, thanks for your question. It is possible to lengthen the nose with extension grafts. By adding cartilage to the tip of the septum and releasing the nasal tip cartilages, we can effectively address the shortness of the nose. In my practice, I primarily use rib cartilage for augmentation. The specific roadmap can be determined with a personal consultation. Hope this helps, best of luck!

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

In the hands of an experienced Asian rhinoplasty surgeon, rib cartilage remains the best graft material in terms of permanence and aesthetics to create projection, augmentation and lengthening. Your nasal framework consists of cartilage, and cartilage from the rib can be used to supplement and reinforce this to change the shape, length and height of the nose.

Ear cartilage for the alar margins is not necessary as properly performed rhinoplasty with rib cartilage will achieve this in a far more elegant manner. It sounds as though the surgeon may be referring to composite grafts from the ear, but this presents an aesthetically inferior option to integrated alar rim grafts.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Any surgeon who recommends ear cartilage for your nose is not a rhinoplasty expert. You'll need rib cartilage, without exception.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Septal extension graft is a piece of septal cartilage that is taken from the back of your septum and sewn to the front of your septum to make your nose longer. You would need to find somebody who is familiar and facile with this surgical technique in rhinoplasty, and I believe you should have a favorable result. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Short nose. Can I get a rhinoplasty to prolong my nose? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal projection

Answer: Nasal projection

Answer: Nasal lengthening may be achieved with a septal extension graft and extended spreader grafts.

Answer: Nasal lengthening may be achieved with a septal extension graft and extended spreader grafts.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Short nose. Can I get a rhinoplasty to prolong my nose? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal projection

Answer: Nasal projection

Answer: Nasal lengthening may be achieved with a septal extension graft and extended spreader grafts.

Answer: Nasal lengthening may be achieved with a septal extension graft and extended spreader grafts.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.