Can Correcting the Nasolabial Angle Fix a Protruding Mouth? The Truth Revealed by Director Lee Kyung-mook

Can correcting the nasolabial angle fix a protruding mouth?

The truth revealed by Director Lee Kyung-mook

Hello.

This is Obje Plastic Surgery.

While looking into rhinoplasty,

a lot of people probably came here

after hearing the word “nasolabial angle” for the first time.

In particular, if you have been worried because your mouth seems protruded from the side

or if you even considered double-jaw surgery,

learning about nasolabial angle correction may have made you pause for a moment.

The idea that one nose surgery

can make the mouth appear less protruded,

it is only natural to wonder whether that is really possible

or whether it is an exaggerated claim.

So today, we will explain step by step

whether nasolabial angle correction can really solve the appearance of a protruding mouth,

who it applies to,

and what changes in appearance you can actually expect.

If you read to the end,

it may help you judge for yourself

whether your current condition is one that should be considered for double-jaw surgery,

or whether simply refining the nose shape would be enough.

Do you mean rhinoplasty can fix a protruding mouth?

We will tell you the <truth>.

Let me start with the conclusion.

Not every protruding mouth can be solved with nose surgery alone.

But one thing is clear:

the feeling of “looking protruded” can change.

The key here is to distinguish between

“actually protruding” and “looking protruded.”

If the teeth and gums themselves are positioned forward,

the jawbone position needs to be changed, as in double-jaw surgery.

However, if the side profile makes the mouth stand out more because the angle between the area below the nose and the upper lip is narrow,

the story is completely different.

For such people,

it is not so much the position of the mouth itself,

but the angle of the nose and the philtrum line

that determines the impression of the face.

So, if the narrowed nasolabial angle is naturally widened,

the mouth can visually appear to be pulled inward.

That is the actual principle behind how nasolabial angle correction affects the impression of a protruding mouth.

What exactly is the “nasolabial angle”?

The term nasolabial angle may feel a little unfamiliar.

Simply put, it is the angle formed where the area below the tip of the nose meets the upper lip.

If you picture a side-profile photo,

you can imagine the line from the tip of the nose to the philtrum,

and the line from the philtrum to the upper lip,

meeting at one point.

The angle formed by those two lines is the nasolabial angle.

In general, an angle of about 100–105 degrees for women

and 90–95 degrees for men

is considered to give a soft impression.

However, these numbers are only average guidelines,

and the angle that looks natural can vary depending on facial bone structure and proportions.

If the angle is narrower than average,

the tip of the nose may appear to point downward,

the philtrum line may look longer,

and the mouth may seem to be pushed forward.

In particular, if any of the following apply,

you may want to consider the effect of the nasolabial angle.

When the mouth is the first thing you notice in every side-profile photo,

when the tip of the nose appears to drop downward

and the philtrum feels unusually long,

when you feel tension around the mouth even when it is closed,

when the teeth are straight but the side profile still looks tight or heavy.

For people like this,

even if the actual position of the mouth stays the same,

the side view can give a heavier, more crowded impression.

And that is exactly why nasolabial angle correction can matter for such people.

If the narrowed angle is naturally opened,

the tip of the nose turns slightly upward,

the central axis of the side profile is restored,

the E-line looks more balanced,

and the area around the mouth appears lighter.

This is why reviews often say things like

“the side profile looks more balanced”

or “the mouth looks less protruded.”

However, it is important to clearly note two things:

this does not change the actual position of the jawbone, as in double-jaw surgery,

and it is a method that helps improve the overall impression indirectly by refining the angle and proportions of the nose.

Nasolabial angle correction,

Let us introduce the <two methods>.

To widen a narrowed angle,

it is difficult to do so by simply lifting the tip of the nose.

The tip of the nose, along with the nasal columella and the upper part of the philtrum,

needs to be supported forward

for the angle to open naturally.

Here is a brief comparison of the two methods that are commonly mentioned.

The truss method is a technique in which cartilage is placed and supported mainly around the tip of the nose.

It is advantageous for creating tip height,

but its ability to support the upper part of the philtrum at the same time is relatively limited.

The extension method is a technique that brings forward and supports the entire central part of the nose.

Because it supports not only the tip of the nose

but also the nasal columella and the upper part of the philtrum,

the narrowed angle opens naturally

and the side-profile proportions become more balanced.

If you are considering nasolabial angle correction,

the extension method, which stably supports the center of the nose,

is often helpful.

However, the extension method is not the right answer for everyone.

Depending on the nasal bone structure,

the original nose shape,

skin thickness,

and the degree of angle adjustment needed,

there are cases where the truss method suits the person more naturally,

and cases where both methods are combined and applied.

That is why, after examining the side profile together,

it is most important to discuss with the medical team and decide on the method that fits you best.

Today, we looked at how the angle of the nose can affect the impression of a protruding mouth,

who may be a candidate,

and what changes can actually be seen.

To summarize,

not every protruding mouth is solved by double-jaw surgery,

and if you feel that your side profile looks tight,

the first thing to check is the state of the nasolabial angle.

If, when you picture your side profile,

the tip of your nose points downward,

or

if you feel the angle where the tip of the nose meets the philtrum is unusually narrow,

we recommend getting a consultation for the nose shape before deciding on double-jaw surgery.

Director Lee Kyung-mook of Obje Plastic Surgery looks not only at the height of the nose tip,

but also at how the philtrum length and the angle of the nose tip come together within the side profile

when determining the surgical plan.

Even when the same extension method is used,

the supporting position and angle are refined to suit the facial proportions,

so the surgery is performed in a way that naturally balances the side profile without forcing it upward.

If you have been deeply concerned because your side profile looks tight,

don’t look only at the nose shape alone—

we recommend starting with a consultation that also examines the philtrum and the mouth.

This has been Obje Plastic Surgery.

Thank you.

<🔽🔽A helpful video to watch together🔽🔽>

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• This post is medical information written by Obje Plastic Surgery Clinic in compliance with the Medical Advertising Act.

• Results of procedures may vary depending on the individual, and side effects may occur.

We recommend that you make your decision only after sufficient consultation with the medical team in advance.