The Answer is in the Nasolabial Angle: Respect’s Signature "Injung-Ko" Rhinoplasty
Hello, this is Respect Plastic Surgery in Seoul.
When we think of rhinoplasty, most people think of simply making the bridge higher or the tip sharper. However, at Respect, our signature "Injung-Ko" surgery goes beyond the nose itself. It focuses on balancing the entire lower face, specifically addressing the concern of a protruding mouth (mouth protrusion).
Today, we will answer the most frequent question: "How can nose surgery improve a protruding mouth?"
Philtrum Reduction vs. Injung-Ko: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common translation error.
⚠️ Important Note: > In Korea, "Injung" refers to the philtrum area. Some translate Injung-Ko as "Philtrum Reduction Surgery." However, Respect’s Injung-Ko is NOT a philtrum reduction (which involves skin excision). Instead, it is a specialized rhinoplasty that adjusts the Nasolabial Angle to create a sophisticated profile without touching the philtrum length directly.
Is Jaw Surgery the Only Option for a Protruding Mouth?
To fix a protruding mouth, traditional methods include:
Double Jaw Surgery (Two-jaw surgery)
Orthodontics (Braces)
ASO (Anterior Segmental Osteotomy)
While these are effective for severe bone-structure issues, they are major surgeries with long recovery times. If your protrusion isn't extreme but you still feel:
"My mouth looks slightly stuck out."
"My nose looks flat because of my mouth."
"I hate my side profile."
Then, Respect's Injung-Ko offers a much less invasive yet highly effective alternative by optimizing the Nasolabial Angle.
What is the Nasolabial Angle?
The Nasolabial Angle is the angle where the base of the nose (columella) meets the upper lip (philtrum).
Narrow Angle (< 90°): Makes the mouth look more protruded and the nose tip look droopy.
Ideal Angle (90°–100°): Creates a "hidden" effect for the mouth, making it look tucked in and giving the side profile a sleek, balanced look.
Our lead surgeon, Dr. Gong, focuses on opening this angle to its aesthetic ideal, creating an optical illusion where the mouth appears significantly less protruded.
The Power of Autologous Rib Cartilage (Self-Rib)
For the Injung-Ko surgery, the "support" is everything. To maintain the new nasolabial angle and prevent the nose tip from drooping over time, we need a strong, permanent material.
Why we recommend Autologous Rib Cartilage:
Superior Support: It provides the strongest structural integrity.
Low Absorption Rate: Unlike donated cartilage (cadaveric), your own rib cartilage stays in place permanently.
Stability: It ensures that the corrected nasolabial angle doesn't collapse back into a "narrow" state.
More Than Just a High Bridge
Respect’s Injung-Ko is a comprehensive design process considering:
The Nasolabial Angle
The Philtrum-to-Lip ratio
The degree of mouth protrusion
The overall facial harmony
If you’ve been stressed about a protruding mouth but are terrified of bone-cutting surgeries, Injung-Ko might be the answer you've been looking for.
Experience the difference in your side profile at Respect Plastic Surgery.
