An upturned nose is characterised by a nasal tip that sits higher than usual, often creating a shorter nasal appearance and more visible nostrils from the side view. While this shape is entirely natural for some people, others feel it makes the nose look slightly over-rotated or draws attention away from the rest of the face.
At British Face Clinic, we provide carefully planned rhinoplasty for upturned nose concerns, designed to restore proportion and refine nasal length while maintaining each patient’s natural facial character. Every treatment focuses on subtle enhancement rather than major alteration, helping achieve a smooth, balanced profile.
What Is an Upturned Nose?
An upturned nose occurs when the nasal tip rotates upwards, shortening the overall length of the nose. The degree of rotation varies; in mild cases, it simply creates a softly lifted tip, while in more pronounced cases, the nostrils become more visible when viewed from the front or side.
For many, this feature is hereditary and forms part of their natural appearance. In some cases, however, it can develop following previous rhinoplasty or nasal trauma, where the underlying cartilage support has been reduced. Whether naturally occurring or surgically acquired, the goal of treatment is to bring the tip position back into harmony with the rest of the facial features.
Precise rhinoplasty techniques can gently adjust tip rotation and nasal length to correct an upturned nose while preserving natural balance.
How an Upturned Nose Can Affect Facial Balance
The length and angle of the nose play a subtle yet significant role in overall facial symmetry. When the nasal tip is lifted higher, the nose can appear shorter in proportion to other features, sometimes drawing more attention to the nostrils or upper lip. Refining the rotation of the tip helps to re-establish a smooth, natural line between the bridge and the upper lip, restoring balance without changing the essence of the face.
When to Consider Treatment
Many people seek upturned nose correction when the nasal tip feels over-rotated, or when photographs highlight nostril visibility or a shortened nasal appearance. Others may wish to restore length after a previous operation that left the nose looking too lifted.
Choosing to undergo upturned nose surgery is a personal decision. The aim is simply to improve facial proportion and achieve a shape that feels more balanced and natural to you.
An upturned nose can appear shorter from the side, but careful reshaping helps restore proportion between the bridge and tip.
How We Treat an Upturned Nose
At British Face Clinic, rhinoplasty for an upturned nose focuses on repositioning and supporting the nasal tip to restore a gentle, natural rotation. The choice of technique depends on the degree of correction required and the structural strength of the nose.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is the preferred approach for most cases of upturned nose surgery. By creating a small incision between the nostrils, Mr Supriya gains full access to the nasal framework, allowing precise reshaping and placement of structural grafts. These grafts are cartilage taken from the nasal septum and provide support and length to the nasal tip, helping restore the correct angle and projection. Open rhinoplasty offers detailed control and is especially effective for moderate to complex or revision cases.
Closed Rhinoplasty
For milder cases where only subtle de-rotation or fine contour adjustment is needed, closed rhinoplasty may be suitable. All incisions are made within the nostrils, so there are no visible scars. This technique can refine the nasal tip and adjust rotation slightly when the underlying support is strong and the correction is minimal.
Both approaches are performed with careful attention to nasal function and overall proportion, ensuring the final result complements surrounding features.
Individualised Treatment Planning
Every nose is unique, so treatment begins with a detailed consultation and facial assessment. During your appointment, we examine nasal length, tip projection and rotation in relation to other facial proportions to determine the most suitable approach. Your surgical plan is then tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals, with a focus on achieving a result that looks balanced, natural and specific to you.
Meet Mr Mrinal Supriya
FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS
Mr Mrinal Supriya is the Divisional Director of Surgery. He is highly experienced Head and Neck Surgeon, specialising in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the Divisional Director for Surgery at NGH in Northamptonshire and works as an ENT Consultant.
Mr Supriya is also the lead head and neck robotic surgeon at the University Hospital of Northamptonshire (2023). Previously, he held consultant positions at St. George’s University Hospital, London and Ninewells University Hospital, Dundee.
Mr Supriya has extensive experience in top hospitals around the world, including the UK, Australia and the USA. He has trained with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top facelift surgeons in the USA. Mr Supriya is among the 30 surgeons certified by the Royal College of Surgeons to provide facial cosmetic surgery in the UK (2022).
Why Choose Us for
Upturned Nose Treatment?
Choosing the right clinic for upturned nose correction is an important step in achieving a natural, well-balanced result. At British Face Clinic, patients benefit from a specialist-led approach focused exclusively on facial and nasal surgery.
- Facial Focus Only: A clinic dedicated solely to facial and nasal surgery.
- Consultant-Led Care: Every consultation and operation is personally carried out by Mr Mrinal Supriya, consultant facial surgeon.
- Natural Emphasis: Techniques chosen to enhance proportion and balance, not to change facial identity.
- Ethical Approach: Transparent pricing, clear guidance and no-pressure consultations.
- Recognised Expertise: Extensive experience performing complex rhinoplasty procedures in both private and NHS practice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering rhinoplasty for an upturned nose, the first step is a consultation. Arrange a free initial phone consultation with our team to discuss your concerns, assess your nasal structure and explain the most appropriate treatment options. Together, we can plan a correction that restores balance, proportion and confidence in your natural appearance.
Patient Stories
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can an upturned nose be fixed without surgery?
Non-surgical options, such as temporary filler techniques, may provide a small degree of correction to the nasal tip. However, true adjustment of tip rotation or nasal length typically requires rhinoplasty.
Why is my nose upturned?
Most upturned noses are genetic, inherited through family traits that influence nasal cartilage shape and angle. In some cases, the tip may appear more lifted after previous surgery or nasal injury.
How does rhinoplasty correct an upturned nose?
Rhinoplasty restores nasal balance by carefully repositioning the cartilage and extending support with natural septal cartilage graft, where needed. This allows the tip to rotate downward to a more natural, proportionate angle.
What is the best surgery for an upturned nose?
Open rhinoplasty is the most effective approach for correcting an over-rotated or short nose. It provides the precision needed to reshape cartilage and restore natural nasal length.
Does rhinoplasty for an upturned nose look natural?
Yes. When performed by an experienced facial surgeon like Mr Supriya, upturned nose surgery enhances overall facial harmony without creating an artificial appearance.
Can an upturned nose be caused by previous rhinoplasty?
Yes, over-rotation can occur if too much cartilage or structural support was removed during a prior procedure. Revision rhinoplasty can often restore length and proportion.
How much does upturned nose surgery cost in London?
The cost of rhinoplasty for an upturned nose depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is a first-time or revision surgery. A detailed quotation is provided following your consultation at British Face Clinic.
Our Locations
- London City
The Wellington Hospital, 15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
- London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
- Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
- Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
London City
The Wellington Hospital
15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
