Question
Is it possible to change the position of the nostrils?
The bridge of my nose is pretty straight, but the tip is a tiny bit twisted to one side, boxy-looking and pointed down farther than I would like. However, I fear that if I had the tip rounded and slightly raised, my nose might look too small, and there would be too much space between my upper lip and my nostrils.
Is there a way that the nostrils could be slightly lowered, so that the tip could have a slightly raised appearance without looking "pig-nosed" and without making my nose look too small for my face?
Is it weird to want to change the distance between the nostrils and the upper lip? Is it possible?
Answers (3)
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1
October 28, 2008
The tip can be raised slightly without creating a pig nose.
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Toby G. Mayer, MD
When the tip of the nose is long over the lip, it can be raised. How much will depend on how much upper lip length you have already and how much the tip is raised. If the upper lip is already "too long" then the surgeon should be conservative in raising the tip.
"Lowering the nostrils" is difficult and leaves a scar, so you will be trading something natural (long upper lip) for something unnatural (scar) and this is usually a "bad trade".
2
October 24, 2008
Rhinoplasty and the Nostrils
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Michael A. Persky, MD
Hi FF,
It is very difficult to answer you question despite your detailed description of your nose and your wishes. It would be most helpful to see pictures of your nose in the following views: frontal, profile, 3/4's, and from below the nostrils.
Nostril size and position can be changed, but your nose needs to be examined by an experienced rhinoplastic surgeon who could then tell you what to expect, and most importantly whether your expectations and goals could be reasonably met.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
3
October 24, 2008
Nose surgery cannot lower your nostrils
The short answer to your question is no, it is not possible to lower the nostrils. However, you may want to go to a Plastic Surgeon who does computer imaging and see how you would look like if your nasal tip was slightly elevated and narrowed.
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10/25/08
Thank you both for posting answers to my questions. I really appreciate it. However, I'm a little confused. Yes, you can change the position of the nostrils; but no, they cannot be lowered? Help!
10/29/08
I would not want to have a scar, so I don't think I'm going to try to change the position of the nostrils. Thank you for your input!