2026-05-25
Upturned Nose / Short Nose / Contracted Nose Rhinoplasty: What Are the Surgical Methods by Cause?
You have probably heard the terms upturned nose, short nose, and contracted nose in your life. The commonality among these three types is that the nostrils are highly visible from the front. In today's post, we will analyze the characteristics of these three types and discuss the surgical methods for each, so if you think you fall into one of these categories, please read carefully! :) Characteristics of Upturned/Short/Contracted Noses!? When viewed from the front...
You have probably heard the terms
upturned nose, short nose, and contracted nose in your life.
The commonality among these three types is
that the nostrils are highly visible when viewed from the front.
In today's post, we will analyze the characteristics of these three types
and discuss the surgical methods for each type,
so if you think you fall into one of these categories,
please read carefully! :)
Characteristics of Upturned/Short/Contracted Noses!?
With a high degree of nostril exposure when viewed from the front,
upturned noses, short noses, and contracted noses!
First, let's take a look at the characteristics of each of these three!
A contracted nose occurs after rhinoplasty
when internal tissues clump together due to causes like inflammation,
causing the nasal tip to be pulled upward.
An upturned nose, regardless of nasal length,
refers to a state where the nasolabial angle is too wide,
making the nostrils highly visible from the front.
Sometimes people confuse this with a dragon nose (retracted alar).
A dragon nose is a condition where the nasal tip is not upturned, but
the alar cartilages forming the nostrils are underdeveloped.
A short nose is when, viewed from the side,
the nasolabial angle is normal,
but the nose itself is short in shape.
Generally, if the ideal facial proportions are considered
1 for forehead to eyebrows, 1 for eyebrows to nose,
and 0.8 for philtrum to chin tip,
a nose length that falls short of the 1 ratio
is referred to as a short nose.
A short nose type is often accompanied
by an upturned appearance.
Surgical Methods for Each Nose Shape?
A contracted nose, caused by inflammation
from an inserted implant,
makes the skin hard and shortens as it is pulled
upward, making the surgery much more difficult
even from an external perspective.
Contracted nose cases usually fall under revision rhinoplasty,
and unlike general revision surgeries, contracted nose rhinoplasty
is performed in two stages, making it a difficult
and complex procedure.
The surgical method for a contracted nose involves
removing the silicone implant causing the contraction,
releasing the internally adhered tissues,
and dedicating 6 to 12 months to recovery
so that it can heal properly.
Afterward, revision surgery is performed using autologous tissue,
and autologous costal cartilage (rib cartilage) is commonly used.
The surgical method for an upturned nose uses silicone for the nasal bridge
and autologous cartilage for the nasal tip
to reduce the wide nasolabial angle.
The surgery is performed in this manner,
but if overcorrected, the possibility of the nasal tip drooping increases,
and it may look like an arrow nose.
Therefore, the surgery must proceed
with an appropriate surgical plan and design
tailored to the skin condition and internal tissues.
A short nose is considered a difficult surgery
because there is relatively little excess
bone, cartilage, and skin tissue.
In the case of a low nose, the height must be raised
while also increasing the length, so maximum effort
must be made within limited conditions.
The surgical method for a low nose involves moderately raising the bridge
to make the nose length appear longer,
and extending the septum at the nasal tip
to bring the tip down while
increasing its height.
Contracted nose, short nose, and upturned nose rhinoplasty
must be performed considering facial proportions,
the angle of the nose from the side, the patient's preferences,
and the overall nose line,
making them surgeries that are not as easy
as one might think.
Therefore, from the initial consultation,
understanding the patient's characteristics and needs,
accurate diagnosis, and detailed planning
are crucial judgments
for these important surgeries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALVpmwmasc
If you want to find out whether you have
a short nose, upturned nose, or contracted nose,
please contact us via VIBE KakaoTalk consultation
or schedule an appointment, and we will provide
a friendly consultation. :)
We hope you have a wonderful day today!