What Is a Low Nasal Bridge, and Can Open Rhinoplasty Help?

A low nasal bridge is a bridge that is low or flat, making the face look flat and lacking depth, especially from the side. It is one of the nasal structure concerns often seen in Thai and other Asian people, because of skull structure and genetics that differ from those of Western people.

People with a low nasal bridge often notice that glasses or face masks do not stay on the nose, the face looks flat or lacks a focal point, and the area between the eyes and the bridge looks flat with no depth. Many people are therefore interested in rhinoplasty to add depth to the face.

As for whether every case needs open rhinoplasty, the answer is not always. In some cases where only the bridge needs adjusting and the structure is not complex, semi-open rhinoplasty may be enough. In other cases where the tip also needs adjusting, or after previous rhinoplasty, open rhinoplasty may be more suitable.

This article explains a low nasal bridge in detail, compares nose shape options and describes the assessment steps with the S45 Clinic surgeons.

What Is a Low Nasal Bridge?

A low nasal bridge is a bridge that is fairly low or lacks depth, making the middle of the face look flatter than you would like, especially from the side or at a 45-degree angle.

Some people may have a low nasal bridge because of their existing nasal structure, such as a low bridge, a wide nasal base or a tip that does not flow on from the bridge. The assessment should therefore not look only at the height of the nose, but also at the nasal structure, the tip, the nasal base and the overall facial proportions.

Low Nasal Bridge vs Flat Nose vs Low Nasal Dorsum, What Is the Difference?

A low nasal bridge, a flat nose and a low nasal dorsum are similar terms, but each focuses on a different area:

• Low nasal bridge usually means the top of the nose between the eyes looks low, so the middle of the face lacks depth.
• Flat nose means the whole nose looks flat, including the top of the bridge, the bridge, the tip and the nasal base. Some people may also have wide alae.
• Low nasal dorsum focuses on the bridge line from the middle down to the tip, which may be low all the way along or lack depth in some parts.

Telling them apart clearly helps the surgeon assess whether to focus on adding depth at the top of the bridge, the bridge or the tip, or whether several areas need assessing together.

Causes of a Low Nasal Bridge, and Why It Is Common in Thai People

A low nasal bridge is more common in Thai and other Asian people than in Western people, and it has several main causes:

The Facial Structure of Some Asian Groups

Some Asian groups often have a fairly flat midface, a bridge that is not very high and a less prominent top of the bridge than some other facial structures, so a low nasal bridge or low nasal dorsum is fairly common in some Thai facial types.

However, do not assume every Thai person has this concern, because everyone’s facial structure is different. The assessment should look at the front, the side, the 45-degree angle and how the nose relates to the forehead, chin and tip.

Genetics and Nasal Bone Development

Some people have a low nasal bridge because of genetics, and may find that family members have a similar low bridge or a less defined top of the bridge. This is related to the development of the nasal bones, the facial bones and the nasal cartilage.

In some cases, even when the tip already has some shape, the top of the bridge and the bridge are low, so the nose still lacks depth overall. Assess which areas need more depth, rather than choosing a height from a reference photo alone.

A Bridge That Looks Lower After Previous Rhinoplasty

Some people did not have a low nasal bridge to begin with, but have had rhinoplasty before and feel the bridge looks lower, the old silicone implant does not suit the face, or the bridge line does not suit the tip.

In this case, ask the surgeon to assess several factors, such as the old implant, the position of the silicone implant, scar tissue, nasal tissue, skin condition and the existing nasal structure, before choosing open rhinoplasty or another technique that suits each case.

Semi-Open vs Open Rhinoplasty for a Low Nasal Bridge

• Semi-open rhinoplasty uses an incision inside one nostril. It lets the surgeon see more of the nasal structure than closed rhinoplasty, with less external scarring than open rhinoplasty. It suits cases that need a moderate adjustment of the bridge and tip, where the existing structure is not very complex and there has been no previous nose surgery.
• Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision at the base of the nose between the nostrils, letting the surgeon see and reshape the nasal structure in more detail. It suits cases that need several areas adjusted at the same time, such as a low nasal bridge with a drooping tip, or revision cases with a complex internal structure.

Which Cases Suit Open Rhinoplasty?

Not every case needs open rhinoplasty. The choice of technique depends on your existing nasal structure and what needs adjusting.

A Low Nasal Bridge or a Drooping Tip

Cases with a low nasal bridge together with a drooping or hanging tip often need several structures adjusted at the same time. Open rhinoplasty helps the surgeon see and work on the structure in more detail, especially when reshaping the bridge and tip so they flow into each other.

Revision Cases After Previous Rhinoplasty

People who have had rhinoplasty before and want it corrected often have scar tissue and a structure that has changed. Open rhinoplasty helps the surgeon assess the internal condition and plan the correction more clearly. However, the surgeon always needs to assess each person individually first.

Nose Shapes That Suit a Low Nasal Bridge in Asian Faces

Choosing an attractive nose shape for a low nasal bridge should mainly consider your existing nasal structure and whole face, not a reference photo alone.

‘Debut’ Shape

This shape has an attractive, defined tip and a well-proportioned length that helps the face look more balanced. The surgeon uses cartilage to support the structure together with a silicone implant to achieve the result you want.

Soft Slope Shape

The bridge slopes gently from between the eyes down to the tip, and the tip is slightly upturned, giving a soft look. It suits people who want a subtle nose shape with depth.

Soft, Rounded Shape

The bridge is soft and not rigidly high, and the tip is gentle, giving a soft look. It suits people with a round or oval face who want an overall soft look.

S45 Original Shape by Dr. Ty

The S45 Original shape by Dr. Ty (นายแพทย์กิตติศักดิ์ วงค์เทียนชัย, ว.35602) is designed for Asian facial structures, focusing on a height that blends in and a tip that looks softer, not rigid or projecting. The surgeon assesses the bridge, the nasal base, skin elasticity and the tip structure to plan a shape that suits each case.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Low Nasal Bridge

Note: This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Rhinoplasty results depend on your existing nasal structure, skin condition, the technique used and the surgeon’s individual assessment. Always consult a plastic surgeon directly before you decide.