One of the first signs of aging is facial sag and a droopy nose tip which can make a person appear as though their nose has actually grown longer.
It’s an illusion, of course, created by changes in the nasal skin as well as a general weakening of the cartilage framework and nasal bones which once provided excellent support to the nose. The process that causes Droopy Nose Tip is called ptosis.
When we’re younger, these nasal structures keep the overall position of our nose trending upward. To correct age-related nasal deformities, doctors often employ surgery or advanced suture techniques to shore up the nose framework and restore it to a more youthful position.
The Gravity of the Situation
Gravity is most certainly a weighty concern as it is the one force of nature that is constantly pulling at the nose and face downward and causing these structures to grow weaker and less secure over time. Normal aging is another unavoidable factor that causes drooping of the nasal tip and its inward movement toward the face. The process often results in the formation of a hump on the bridge of the nose. The general sinking of the nasal tip also creates the illusion that the nose is longer than it actually is. With aging there is even a possible loss of bone or soft tissue at the base of the nostrils which makes it appear as though the tip of the nose is sinking into the upper lip area itself.
The first telltale signs of nasal aging is ptosis combined with a general widening of the nasal tip and a weakening of the cartilage structures which support the nose structures.
Can Surgery Prevent Futher Aging of the Nose?
When we talk about preventing further aging of the nose, we mean preventing the unwelcome appearance of nasal aging. This is often accomplished with the skillful use of nasal implants or grafts. In many cases a columellar strut is use to provide tip support and projection. Advanced suture techniques are often used to refine nasal tip cartilage structures. Surgery may also be required to correct secondary breathing problems associated with nasal aging.
Rhinoplasty techniques used to correct nasal deformities due to age require a careful assessment of the condition of the patient’s nose’s skin as well as the nose support structures. This will help determine the best technique to correct the deformity.
One thing is certain, nasal droop can make you look and feel older than you’re prepared to feel. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Surgery can help restore your once perky nose to its upwardly youthful position and should be considered an important part or adjunct of a general program of racial rejuvenation.
Talk to a qualified surgeon to see if you are a candidate for rhinoplasty as it relates to the repair of a droopy nose tip.We use computerized photo imaging that can help to give you an idea of an outcome before you have the surgery.This is included in your consultation.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, and want to consult with an experienced New York facial plastic surgeon, call the Williams Center at 1-800-742-2797.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.