Can a rhinoplasty also fix protruding lips?

Question

I would like your kind opinion and recommendation. I am an asian woman that have protruding lips. Not only that, my lips are very full also, which makes them protrude out more. I really hate my profile view because my lips and my nose are the same height. I am getting my rhinoplasty done to fix my bridge, projection, and tip, will it also fix my protruding lips? If not, what can be done to fix this? ( I've had braces and my teeth are aligned.) Thank you.

Amy K Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sweet1984~Thank you for sharing your question.  A rhinoplasty will not change the actual position of your lips.  However, increasing your nasal tip projection will change the relative positions of your nose and lips. This should soften the appearance of your lip protrusion on profile view. Also, sometimes Asians have a deficient premaxilla (the bone above your upper front teeth), and placing a graft in this area can change the slope of the lip on profile view and make it appear less protruding.  It's difficult to give a more specific answer without photographs or an exam.Best wishes for your surgery and recovery!Sincerely,Amy Hsu

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty will not change the appearance of protruding lips. This issue is repaired with a procedure called cheiloplasty. If anything, making the nose smaller may make the lips appear larger. From here, I would recommend the following:1) Sharing photos2) Obtaining an opinion from a board certified facial plastic surgeon who performs both procedures.I hope this helps, and best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The rhinoplasty may improve the overall facial balance.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA................

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There are many ways to alter facial appearance. A rhinoplasty would have no effect on the lips. It would be useful to have a picture posted so as to obtain a more specific opinion.

Alfonso Gonzalez Cepeda, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty won´t fix protruding lips.  They are two entirely different procedures.  There is a procedure called Cheiloplasty that will reduce the size of the lips.  Dissolvable stitches are placed on the inside of the mouth and there will be lip swelling that can last anywhere from a week to ten days.

Can a rhinoplasty also fix protruding lips?

Answers (6)