There’s a delicate balance to facial beauty, and the nose plays a central role. It is both the centerpiece of facial symmetry and a gateway for functional breathing. When a nose is too short or overly upturned, it can disrupt this balance, leading many individuals to feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with their appearance. At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we understand that correcting a short or upturned nose is not merely about aesthetics—it’s about restoring harmony and function with precision and care.

What Defines a Short or Upturned Nose?

A short nose typically refers to a nose with insufficient vertical length, often accompanied by an overly rotated or exposed nasal tip. This can make the nostrils highly visible from the front or below, creating a “pug nose” or “piggy nose” appearance. Some individuals are born with this feature, while others acquire it due to previous rhinoplasty surgeries that were overly aggressive in removing cartilage or failed to provide sufficient structural support.

An upturned nose, while similar in appearance, specifically describes a nasal tip that is rotated too far upward, which can occur naturally or after surgery. These features can coexist and often overlap, particularly in cases of revision rhinoplasty where prior techniques have led to excessive tip rotation or loss of nasal length.

Why Do Patients Seek Correction?

Many patients come to us feeling that their nose doesn’t match the rest of their features. They may have undergone a previous procedure that left them with an unnatural or imbalanced result. Others might be struggling with breathing issues due to compromised internal structures. The emotional weight of a nose that doesn’t feel right—whether it’s too short, too upturned, or both—can deeply affect a person's confidence.

Patients often tell us, “My nose doesn’t look natural,” or, “It looks like I’ve had surgery, and I don’t like that.” That sentiment reveals something crucial: the best rhinoplasty doesn’t draw attention. It harmonizes with the face. It allows the person to look like themselves—just more balanced, more at ease.

How Correction Works: Surgical Techniques for Short or Upturned Noses

Correcting a short or upturned nose is among the most complex forms of rhinoplasty. It requires not just adding length, but doing so in a way that maintains structural integrity, tip support, and internal function.

1. Septal Extension Graft

One of the most reliable techniques involves using a septal extension graft. This is a cartilage graft, typically harvested from the septum or rib, that extends the central supporting strut of the nose. By anchoring the nasal tip to this extension, we can precisely control projection and rotation.

This method is especially effective in revision cases where the original nasal support has collapsed. It offers a solid framework on which to rebuild the nose in a more aesthetically and functionally balanced way.

2. Rib Cartilage Grafting

At Kowon, we frequently use autologous rib cartilage—the patient’s own rib—for grafting. Rib cartilage is robust, plentiful, and versatile. It allows us to reconstruct the nasal framework safely and with long-term stability.

For patients who have undergone multiple surgeries or whose nasal cartilage has been depleted, rib cartilage provides a vital resource for rebuilding. Unlike synthetic implants, rib cartilage integrates naturally with the body and significantly reduces the risk of infection, extrusion, or foreign body reaction.

3. Derotation Grafts and Tip Repositioning

To correct an overly rotated (upturned) tip, derotation grafts can be applied. These cartilage grafts, often harvested from the ear or rib, help reposition the tip downward and provide additional volume and projection.

The art here lies in achieving a tip that looks natural from all angles. Too much rotation correction can make the nose look droopy; too little can leave the piggy appearance unresolved. It requires not only anatomical skill but an artistic eye—qualities that define Dr. Kim Hyung Taek’s approach.

4. Internal Lining and Soft Tissue Management

In cases of significant contraction or scarring, the internal lining of the nose may need to be expanded using mucosal grafts or skin flaps. This ensures there is enough internal space to accommodate the newly structured framework without creating tension, which could lead to relapse or complications.

Equally important is the handling of soft tissue. Thicker skin may need debulking; thinner skin must be protected from sharp edges. Every layer of the nose needs to be considered.

The Kowon Philosophy: Precision Over Volume

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we don’t believe in rushing surgery. We take on a limited number of cases each month to ensure every patient receives our full attention. Especially in complex cases like short or upturned noses, careful preoperative analysis and customized planning are essential.

Dr. Kim personally evaluates each patient, examining previous surgical changes, cartilage availability, skin thickness, and facial harmony. No two short noses are the same. That’s why our solutions aren’t standardized—they’re sculpted.

We also strongly emphasize a function-preserving approach. A nose that looks beautiful but fails to breathe properly is not a success in our book. That’s why we integrate structural support and internal nasal health into every procedure.

What to Expect from Recovery and Results

Recovery from short nose correction is typically longer than primary rhinoplasty due to the complexity of grafting and tissue healing. Patients can expect some swelling for several months, although most visible signs subside after the first few weeks.

Over time, the newly constructed framework integrates with the body’s tissue, providing a stable, natural-looking result. What many don’t realize is that natural results take careful planning, not shortcuts. That’s the ethos behind every procedure we perform.

Most patients who undergo correction for short or upturned noses report a significant improvement not only in their appearance but also in their confidence and breathing. They tell us, "It finally feels like my nose fits my face."

Choosing the Right Surgeon

If you’re considering correction for a short or upturned nose, it’s crucial to choose a surgeon who specializes in complex or revision rhinoplasty. This isn’t a procedure that any plastic surgeon can perform well. It requires a deep understanding of nasal anatomy, previous surgical outcomes, and the nuances of cartilage handling.

Dr. Kim Hyung Taek is an internationally recognized authority on rib cartilage rhinoplasty and implant-free nasal reconstruction. As head of the Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty Center and adjunct professor at Sungkyunkwan University, his techniques have helped patients from around the world find solutions to previously failed surgeries.

Final Thoughts

Correcting a short or upturned nose is more than cosmetic refinement—it’s reconstructive artistry. It’s about rebalancing facial features, restoring function, and rebuilding confidence. It takes time, trust, and technical mastery.

If your nose feels too short, overly upturned, or simply not "you," it may be time to consult a clinic that understands both the emotional and surgical complexity of this journey.

At Kowon Plastic Surgery, we believe every nose deserves a second chance—one that looks natural, breathes well, and brings harmony back to your face.

Practical Takeaway: If you’ve had surgery before and still aren’t breathing right or feel your nose looks too short or unnatural, seek a surgeon-led clinic with experience in high-safety, revision rhinoplasty using autologous cartilage. That’s what Kowon is known for.