Celestial Nose (Upturned Nose), Which Rhinoplasty Shapes Can Suit It

An upturned nose (celestial nose) is a nose with a tip that points upwards, so the nostrils are clearly visible from the front, or a nose with an angle between the nasal tip and the upper lip (nasolabial angle) of more than 110 degrees.

What Does an Upturned Nose Look Like

• the nasal tip turns upwards and points higher than usual
• the nostrils are clearly visible and easy to see from the front
• the nasal bridge may be short, with a shorter than usual distance from the root to the tip of the nose
• the tip may be round, and some people also have a round or blunt tip
• the bridge may be less defined, and some people have a low or less prominent bridge

Types of Upturned Nose

1. Mildly Upturned Nose (Mild)

• a nasolabial angle of about 105 to 110 degrees
• the nostrils are slightly visible from the front
• looks cute and blends in with the face
• many people like this look

2. Moderately Upturned Nose (Moderate)

• a nasolabial angle of about 110 to 120 degrees
• the nostrils are clearly visible from the front
• may feel less elegant
• some people may want to correct it

3. Severely Upturned Nose (Severe)

• a nasolabial angle of more than 120 degrees
• the nostrils are very clearly visible
• may cause breathing problems
• people often want it corrected

Causes of an Upturned Nose

1. Genetic Factors

This is the main cause of an upturned nose and is passed from parents to children. It is common if either parent has an upturned nose, and it is also more common among Asian people than Western people, because differences in facial bone structure affect the shape of the nose.

2. Bone and Cartilage Structure

• low cheekbones and nasal root: if the cheekbones and nasal root lack height, the tip looks more lifted than usual, making the nose look upturned
• very strong tip cartilage: tip cartilage that is strong and thick pushes the tip upwards, making the nose more upturned
• a short nasal bridge: if the bridge is short, the tip looks higher than usual

3. Development in Childhood

Facial bones keep growing from childhood to the teenage years. If growth is uneven, the nose may become upturned, especially if the cheekbones or nasal bridge grow slowly.

4. Previous Surgery, Injury or Accident

• rhinoplasty with an unsuitable technique, removing too much cartilage, or stitching cartilage in an unsuitable position
• a blow to the nasal tip that deforms the cartilage and makes the nose more upturned

5. Ageing

The skin and muscles around the upper lip sag, so the nasal tip looks higher than before and an upturned nose may become more noticeable.

Nose Shapes That Can Suit an Upturned Nose

1. The ‘Iconic’ Nose Shape by Dr. Tune (พญ.ธัญญาวรรณ ประเสริฐกิจพันธุ์)

A straight bridge from the root to the tip, not curved or dipped, with the tip lowered to a suitable level and a nasolabial angle of about 90 to 100 degrees.

• reduces the upturn, bringing the tip down to a usual level
• looks elegant and suits all genders and ages
• does not look unusual or exaggerated
• suits Asian faces and helps the face look well proportioned

2. Male Nose Shape by Dr. Che (นพ.วิทมล รำพึงสุข)

• adds length to the bridge, making the nose look longer
• reduces the upturn a lot, bringing the tip lower than before
• adds character, confidence and charm
• suits men, with a more mature and distinctive look
• does not suit round or short faces
• may look older than your age on a youthful face

3. The ‘Influ’ Nose Shape by Dr. Tune (พญ.ธัญญาวรรณ ประเสริฐกิจพันธุ์)

A high, straight bridge with no curve, a high, clearly defined nasal root and a slightly rounded tip, with a nasolabial angle of about 95 to 105 degrees, for a cute, youthful look.

• adds length and height, making the nose look longer and higher
• reduces the upturn so the tip comes down to a suitable level
• a youthful look, suited to women and teenagers

Nose Shapes In 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rhinoplasty Difficult for an Upturned Nose

It is not difficult, but it needs a suitable technique. Rhinoplasty for an upturned nose focuses on lengthening the bridge and bringing the tip down, which an experienced surgeon can do.

Can Filler Injections Reshape an Upturned Nose

Filler injections can add height to the bridge and push the tip down, but if the nose is very upturned the correction may be incomplete. They suit people with a mild to moderate upturn.

Which Shape Suits an Upturned Nose

It depends on your face and goals, but in general a soft rounded shape and the ‘Dolly’ shape are often chosen by people with an upturned nose, because they help reduce the upturn and look cute.

Should an Upturned Nose Use Silicone or Cartilage

• silicone suits people with a limited budget who want a clear result and do not mind an implant
• cartilage suits people who want a result that feels like their own nose, have a sufficient budget and want a long-lasting result

After Rhinoplasty, Will the Nose Turn Up Again

If done by an experienced surgeon with a suitable technique, the chance of the nose turning up again is low, especially when cartilage is used with good support.

Note: Repeat nose surgery, which many people know as ‘nose reshaping’, is surgery for people who have had nose surgery before and need a further assessment by a surgeon. The approach to care depends on the original problem, the nose structure and the surgeon’s judgement in each case.