Nose Surgery Types

7 Different Nose Types

  • Short nose
  • Low nose
  • Deviated nose
  • Droopy (long) nose
  • Hump nose
  • Bulbous nose
  • Contracted (Upturned) nose

VIP Doctor’s Message


Successful rhinoplasty requires more than focusing on the nose alone, it demands careful consideration of harmonious facial proportions. As the central feature of the face, the nose is visually connected to the forehead, philtrum, lips, and chin. Rather than creating a uniform, conventional shape, the goal is to analyze each patient’s distinct characteristics and enhance their natural beauty.

At VIP Clinic, patient safety remains the top priority, with only the highest-quality materials and most advanced surgical techniques utilized. The ideal approach for each individual depends on various factors, including nose length, skin condition, tissue quality, previous infections, and any history of prior surgeries. VIP rhinoplasty involves a thorough analysis of these detailed factors to create a refined, elegant, and naturally voluminous result. The following are seven common nose types identified to guide the rhinoplasty process.

Operation Information


  • Surgery Time :    Varies
  • Anesthesia Type :    General Anesthesia
  • Hospitalization :    None
  • Stitch Removal :    7 Days
  • Recovery Time :    10 Days

4 Conditions for Harmonious Nose and Face


1:1:1 ideal ratio

CONDITION  01 The individual ratio between the forehead-eyebrows, eyebrows-nose, and nose-chin is ideal at 1:1:1.

The ideal nose height

CONDITION  02 Assuming the nose length is 100, the nose height is ideal when it is ~65% of the nose length.

Harmonization of nose tip and chin

CONDITION  03 The nose tip is slightly above the nose bridge and the size should be harmonized with the chin size.

Angle among the columella, philtrum, and nose tip

CONDITION  04 The angle between the columella and philtrum is 95–100 degrees and the angle between the columella and nose tip is 30–45 degrees for a harmonized nose.

Nose Surgery Methods for 7 Different Nose Types


LOW NOSE
Short Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Low Nose’ A low nose tends to create a flatter, broader facial appearance due to the lack of central projection. The primary goal of surgery is to add height and enhance nasal structure. However, one of the most common reasons for revision rhinoplasty is the use of foreign implants extending from the bridge all the way to the tip – over time, these implants can cause complications such as skin reddening, thinning, or contraction, resulting in a “piggy nose” or pinched appearance. The safest approach involves using autologous tissues to elongate and project the nose rather than relying solely on synthetic implants. At VIP Plastic Surgery, surgeons carefully assess facial balance and individual nasal conditions to create a harmonious line flowing from the forehead through the glabella, nose bridge, nose tip, philtrum, and lips. Low Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    Low nose bridge or small nose

02    People with low nose and flat face who wants more volume

03    Low nose with wide mid-vault

04    Low nose with a bulbous nose

05    Low glabella (between eyes)

Low Nose Surgery Point

01    Use septal cartilages to create a supporting pillar in the nose tip.

02    VIP exclusive technique: Use rib cartilage or silicone implant to add volumes in the mid-face (basement of nostrils and philtrum) to create a 3D image.

03    Add ear cartilages in the nose tip for an enhanced nose shape and heights.

04    Use autologous tissues (usually rib cartilage) to add the nose height.

DEVIATED NOSE
Deviated Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Deviated Nose’ Nasal deviation typically occurs congenitally or as a result of physical trauma during adolescence. This condition affects the nasal bone, lower cartilage, and septal cartilage, all of which must be precisely analyzed to determine the optimal combination of surgical techniques. The challenge with a deviated nose lies not only in its aesthetic asymmetry but also in the functional problems it creates, often causing breathing difficulties and discomfort. Dr. Lee Myung Ju presented the first academic paper on ‘Septoturbinoplasty’ in Korea in 2007. VIP’s Septal Deviation Rhinoplasty delivers exceptional aesthetic and functional results in a single procedure by maximizing the use of septal cartilage – whereas traditional methods required two separate surgeries to achieve these goals. Deviated Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    Imbalanced face due to deviated nose structure

02    Allergy symptoms or functional issues due to deviation

03    Deviated nose with a hump in the nose bridge

04    Deviated nose towards the specific direction

05    One side of nostrils is more deviated than the other nostril

Deviated Nose Surgery Point

01    Synergic effect – This combination surgery allows both correcting the functional deviation and creating an aesthetic nose shape.

02    Correct the tip structure when the nose tip cartilage is not balanced from left to right.

03    Place the nasal bone in the center to improve the deviated nose.

04    Strongly support the tip structure and straighten the septal cartilage.

05    Shape the nose in an aesthetic sense and add heights of the nose bridge depending on the condition.

06    Alleviates the various functional symptoms due to the deviation such as rhinitis, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

DROOPY (LONG) NOSE
Droopy and Long Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Droopy (Long) Nose’ A droopy or long nose, commonly referred to as a ptotic nasal tip, is one of the most frequent concerns prompting patients to seek rhinoplasty. The primary issue lies in the elongated nasal tip, typically caused by weak cartilage structures. Rhinoplasty can create a softer, more refined appearance by adjusting both the length and shape of the nose. An important consideration is nostril visibility, most individuals with a long, droopy nose show little to no nostril from the front view, which should be corrected to achieve balanced facial proportions. During surgery, the extrinsic and intrinsic aspects of the lower lateral cartilages must be carefully reshaped to prevent recurrence of the drooping. The angle between the columella and philtrum also requires precise adjustment, and in some cases, the muscle within the columella may need to be released depending on the patient’s condition.

At VIP, droopy nose rhinoplasty focuses on reconstructing the lower lateral cartilage and columella structures – the primary causes of the ptotic appearance. The nose bridge and base are strongly supported to fundamentally restore balanced nasal length. Droopy (Long) Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    People with a droopy nose due to a long nose tip

02    People with narrow angles between the nose and lips due to a long nose length

03    People with imbalanced facial ratio due to a droopy nose

04    People who have a droopy nose when smiling

05    People who look aggressive due to a droopy and long nose

Droopy (Long) Nose Surgery Point

01    Build the nose basement structure to support the droopy nose tip.

02    Create a balanced angle between the nose tip and lips.

03    Use autologous tissues or foreign implant on the nose bridge for a smooth line.

04    May or may not use ear cartilage for the nose tip.

HUMP NOSE
Hump Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Hump Nose’ A hump nose is characterized by a protruding nose bridge, wide nasal bones, and a droopy tip. One of the defining features is weak, uneven septal cartilage beneath the nose, which contributes to the hump formation. The surgical approach depends on the severity of the deviation and prominence of the hump. In more severe cases, structural deformities of the nasal bone, septal cartilage, and surrounding muscles can cause functional problems such as chronic rhinitis. For this reason, hump nose correction is not a simple procedure of shaving down the bump and adding implants, but it requires precise diagnosis of the underlying causes before determining the appropriate surgical method. Depending on the individual case, osteotomy, structural cartilage reshaping, and septal cartilage correction may all be necessary to eliminate the hump and create a smooth, refined nasal profile. Hump Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    People who have a nasal hump

02    People who desire to achieve a smooth nose shape

03    People who have a large or droopy nose tip

04    People with an imbalanced facial ratio due to a long nose

05    People who have a high nose bridge but needs an improvement in the shape

Hump Nose Surgery Point

01    Remove the nasal hump in the bridge to create a smooth line.

02    Perform osteotomy to create a slimmer nose width.

03    Prevent the nose to shape droopy when smiling

04    Depending on the situation, various osteotomy, structural cartilage rhinoplasty, and septal cartilage rhinoplasty are necessary.

SHORT NOSE
Short Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Short Nose’ A short nose is characterized by its reduced length and visible nostrils, commonly described as a “piggy nose.” Short nose rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging procedures, as it must address both nasal length and height simultaneously. Foreign implants are not recommended for this nose type due to the high risk of complications such as skin reddening, contraction, and thinning. The preferred materials are autologous cartilages, including septal and rib cartilage. However, harvesting septal cartilage requires exceptional expertise, obtaining an adequate amount while preserving enough structure to prevent collapse is particularly difficult in a short, small nose. The short nose is a common characteristic among Asian and African American cases. Short Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    Short nose with nostrils showing

02    Short nose due to Infection from foreign implants

03    Short nose due to contractions from multiple surgeries scar tissues

04    Short nose due to excessive high tip projection without sufficient amount of skin coverage

05    Short nose due to cartilage damage from physical accidents

Short Nose Surgery Point

01    Elongate the tip cartilage to cover the nostrils using septal cartilage or rib cartilage.

02    Insert ear cartilage on top of the nose tip if necessary.

03    Partially use a silicone implant or autologous tissues to add heights in the nose bridge. (Autologous tissues are safer.)

04    Perform rhinoplasty with mid-face augmentation to create a sophisticated profile line from the nose tip to lips.

BULBOUS NOSE
Bulbous Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Bulbous Nose’ A bulbous nose is one of the most common characteristics of the Asian nose, prompting many patients to consider rhinoplasty. This condition typically develops for several reasons. When patients have excess fibrofatty tissue at the nasal tip, partial removal of these soft tissues can create a slimmer appearance, though conservative excision is essential to avoid an unnatural result. Another common cause is thick nasal skin itself; patients with thicker skin tend to have rounder nose tips compared to those with thinner skin. When desired, alar reduction may be performed to achieve narrower nostrils. However, many patients are unaware that alar reduction is irreversible—once performed, it cannot be undone. For this reason, careful consideration is crucial before proceeding with this procedure. Bulbous Nose Distinct Characteristics

01    Bulbous nose is common for Asian and African cases.

02    People with a wide, thick, and bulbous nose.

03    People with a large size of nose

04    People with a wide nose tip cartilage (lower lateral cartilage)

05    People with large, wide, and thick nostrils

Bulbous Nose Surgery Point

01    Nostrils are the important features that determine the face impression. If possible, removing partial alar base must be carefully done only when necessary due to potential scarring problem.

02    Bublous removes excess nasal tip fat tissues to slim down the shape.

03    Reduce partial nasal tip cartilage (lower lateral cartilage) may be necessary sometimes.

04    When nose width or mid-vault (middle part of the nose) is wide, the mid-vault reduction surgery will be operated as well to slim down the nose width.

05    Depending on the nostrils shape, the surgery method is different and outer incision must be avoided to protect the skin from scarring.

Bulbous Nose Surgery Methods Two different methods of rhinoplasty

a)  Wide structural cartilage in the nose tip type -> Reduce nostrils When nostrils are large and nose width is too wide, structural cartilage should be reduced until 5-8mm. Septal cartilage or rib cartilage can be used to support the columella thus naturally reducing the width of the alar base and nostrils.

b)  Thick skin type -> Reduce the skin thickness and slim down the nose tip To create a beautiful nose tip from thick and wide nose tip, removing partial skin that is covering the nose tip is helpful. Inserting septal cartilage column that supports the nose tip structure creates a natural oval shape of nostrils. In addition, adding partial cartilage on top of nose tip is possible if patient desires to achieve higher nose tip.

CONTRACTED NOSE
Contracted/Upturned Nose before and after
* Side effects such as inflammation after the surgery may vary by each individuals and may require appropriate treatments. Please check the guideline with the doctor.

About ‘Contracted (Upturned) Nose’ When contraction occurs due to implant complications, the nose becomes severely upturned and the nostrils become excessively visible. Several factors can cause these complications, though most cases result from adverse reactions to foreign implants. When the body does not tolerate the implant well, the internal nasal tissues gradually tighten and contract, ultimately shortening the nose length. For revision surgery, complete removal of all foreign implants is essential to prevent further complications, followed by building a strong supporting structure at the nasal base. In severe cases, restoring proper length and structure takes priority; additional height can then be considered using autologous tissue. Common Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty

a)    Foreign implant side effect

b)    Flushed Nasal Tip

c)    Twisted nose, bent nose

d)    Nose with Silicone Line

e)    Deformation due to inflammation

f)    Injection side effects

Contracted (Upturned) Nose Surgery Point Depending on the severity and nose conditions, several surgical approaches are available. The optimal method involves using 100% autologous rib cartilage to rebuild the structural framework, tip, and bridge. Since revision rhinoplasty patients have already experienced complications from foreign implants, the use of natural materials is strongly recommended to minimize the risk of further adverse reactions. Please click here to see 100% natural rib cartilage rhinoplasty. See why we use natural rib cartilage instead of the donor cartilage. Contracted (Upturned) Nose – Ear Composite Reconstructive Surgery When the nose is severely damaged, reconstructive rhinoplasty is required. Patients who have undergone multiple surgeries often have limited skin and tissue available for manipulation, which can constrain surgical options. Ear composite grafting is a specialized reconstructive technique that only highly experienced surgeons can perform. Dr. Lee Myung Ju harvests ear cartilage, tissue, and skin as a composite unit, maximizing the potential for optimal outcomes during revision rhinoplasty.

Post-operative Care


01  Maintaining a strong immune system and keeping the nose clean are essential for preventing infection.

02   When sleeping, avoid a flat pillow and use high-level pillows for 5 days after the surgery.

03   Avoid intense activities or exercises for 8 weeks after the surgery.

04   Rinse the inside of the nose regularly with a clean saline solution and avoid allowing the nasal passages to become dry.

Why Choose VIP?


01   The high-satisfactory result from extensive surgery cases (20,000+) and continuous academic research.

02   Doctor’s high reputation and credential (University hospital professor, faculty member of ISAPS, previous executive member of KSAPS)

03   Safe anesthesia, satisfactory result (thorough sanitary system, air shower, emergency system, board certified anesthesiologist)

04   1:1 customer personalized surgery plan Consultation – body examination – surgery/procedure – VIP post-care

05   Daily post-care service Before surgery: Limousine service and VIP accommodation for international patients After surgery: Daily doctor’s dressing, recovery & swelling skincare

Meet the Chief Surgeon: Dr. Myung Ju Lee


Chef Surgeon Dr. Myung Ju Lee

Dr. Myung Ju Lee is the chief surgeon at VIP International Plastic Surgery Center. He has been dedicating himself in the field of plastic surgery as a professor, researcher, and surgeon for more than 29 years now. As a faculty member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, he has continuously devoted himself to share his techniques and knowledge. Dr. Lee is an eminent surgeon recognized for his gifted surgical techniques, especially in rhinoplasty (nose job) and anti-aging surgeries. For decades, many international patients from Asia, the United States, and Europe have visited our clinic to receive surgical procedures; VIP clinic and his reputation is ever becoming strong and solid. Read more about Dr. Lee’s academic achievements and surgical expertise.

Dr. Myung Ju Lee’s affiliation

References

FAQ

Major recovery usually takes about 10 days. Although it depends on the nose surgery type, we ask our patients to stay in Korea for 12-14 days including the examination, surgery, and recovery time.
2 weeks is an ideal period to avoid any major complications in the future. The stitches are taken out on the 5th or 7th day, and Dr.Lee carefully monitors your condition afterwards.
At VIP, general anesthesia is mostly operated for rhinoplasty. At times, IV sedations can be used depending on the case.
For patients who have recently undergone rhinoplasty, it is recommended to wait at least one year before considering revision surgery. If an infection from a previous procedure is present, it must be completely treated before proceeding with revision rhinoplasty.
Any plastic surgery has certain risks, and it is Dr. Lee and our team’s duty to provide the best results with minimum risks. Unfortunately, we cannot predict all complications that may occur or not in the future. However, there are critical aspects that lower risks of complications, one of them is using your own tissues instead of artificial implants. Dr.Lee is a pioneer of rib cartilage rhinoplasty in Korea and he believes that using your own autologous tissues is the best method for a natural and safe result.
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to change only a particular part of the nose. Nose has a very complicated 3D structure. Tissues, muscles and cartilages are connected between each other making it impossible to change only one part of the nose without influencing other tissues. In order for the nose to look natural, doctor needs to consider the nose structure as a whole.
If you have previously received nasal filler injections, it is recommended to dissolve filler at least 2-4 weeks before your scheduled rhinoplasty.