Is shortening the septum a viable maneuver to make the nose look shorter? (Photo)

Question

Hello in conjunction with tip symmetry after rhinoplasty, I do not like how long my nose is. With keeping safety in mind and function, is conservative shortening of the nasal septum an effective and viable tool to make the nose look slightly shorter? Or if this is not safe/helpful then what maneuvers are used to achieve the look of a Shorter nose?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The septum is not typically reduced to shorten the nose as this can be to aggressive.  Usually a cephalic trim or suturing the medial crura up to the septum can achieve this.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

That said, it is impossible to tell by your single photo whether or not your nose needs to be shortened. You appear to have a wide and somewhat droopy nasal tip appearance, and there are specific maneuvers we can use to rotate your nasal tip upward. The necessity of shortening your nasal septum would require an examination. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

You are asking about a maneuver in rhinoplasty called a caudal septal trim.  It is a fairly common maneuver in rhinoplasty, though there are some newer techniques have made it less commonly done than it was in the past (mostly now septal extension grafts permit us to shorten and up-rotate the nose predictably with fewer direct changes to the septum).  If you have an excessively long caudal septum, it may be part of your rhinoplasty surgeon's plan.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial photographs from all angles, especially the side profile to see if you have what's called a hanging columella. Reducing the hanging columella can give the appearance of a shorter nose.  It's important to remember the nose is a three dimensional structure, and rhinoplasty is performed in all three dimensions, and the nose heals three-dimensionally. Digital computer imaging of your nose upon your facial features would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with the procedure.

Is shortening the septum a viable maneuver to make the nose look shorter? (Photo)

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Answer: Is shortening the septum of viable maneuver make the nose look shorter

Answer: Is shortening the septum of viable maneuver make the nose look shorter

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Is shortening the septum a viable maneuver to make the nose look shorter? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Is shortening the septum of viable maneuver make the nose look shorter

Answer: Is shortening the septum of viable maneuver make the nose look shorter

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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