Can Rhinoplasty Make My Long Nose Look Shorter?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I would like my nose to be in better balance to my face. I feel that my nose is too long for my face. Also I think that the tip and the nostrils needs to be narrowed. Can a rhinoplasty reasonably achieve these goals for my nose. I have attached some pictures for you to image so I can see what can possibly be done.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. I have done some predictive computer imaging based on a rhinoplasty that shortens tip projection, does some slight upward tip rotation, tip narrowing, spreader grafts to the middle vault and narrowing of the width of the nostrils. In looking at your profile there is a mismatch between the projection of your nose and a horizontal maxillo-mandibular deficiency. Both your jaws are recessed which is also reflected in your thin upper and lower lips. This horizontal jaw projection deficiency makes the nose look longer than it really is. It is a bit long but not as long as it may seem which is confirmed by actual measurements of the nose. Only so much de-projection (shortening) of the nose can be achieved so combining a rhinoplasty with some increased jaw projection would be aesthetically helpful. I have added a chin augmentation to the rhinoplasty prediction with that concept in mind.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana