Nasolabial-angle surgery vs cat surgery — what's the difference? Q&A on insertion-free correction and awkwardness when smiling after surgery
2025. 1. 8.
The difference between nasolabial-angle surgery and cat surgery — a method correcting the angle by raising the tip without inserting an implant vs a method processing and inserting a silicone implant — plus when post-surgery awkwardness when smiling turns natural (usually 2–3 months), organized as Q&A.
Key points
- The nasolabial angle is the angle the nose and philtrum form viewed from the side — for Asians, 90–95° is considered ideal.
- KOWON's nasolabial-angle surgery inserts no cartilage or implant at that area — it pulls skin out and fixes it while raising the tip — while the well-known cat surgery processes and inserts a silicone implant.
- Awkwardness when smiling after surgery appears not from nasolabial-angle surgery itself but from the cartilage graft done to erect the tip — it usually turns natural after 2–3 months.
"I heard nasolabial-angle surgery makes smiling look unnatural — does that resolve with time?"
Because nasolabial-angle correction often gets guided alongside the process of creating a J-curve line, I get this question often in consultations. Even under the same name 'nasolabial-angle adjustment,' the method differs from the one known in Japan, which confuses people — so here's a one-shot organization of how nasolabial-angle surgery differs from cat surgery, and how long post-surgery smile awkwardness lasts.
01
What is the nasolabial angle?
The nasolabial angle refers to the angle the nose and philtrum form viewed from the side. For Asians, 90–95° is considered the ideal and beautiful angle.
Bringing this angle close to 90–95° can help make the mouth area look relatively recessed, or tidy the profile's E-line. That's also why the nasolabial angle gets read together when planning the J-curve line running tip-to-philtrum.
02
How does nasolabial-angle surgery proceed?
KOWON's nasolabial-angle surgery uses no foreign material. While raising the tip it creates the angle through a correction pulling skin out and fixing it — the feature being that no cartilage or implant gets inserted at the nasolabial-angle area.
It can be an option worth considering for those wanting surgery using autologous tissue. But because the method differs from the one known in Japan, worrying without knowing well is natural. Even right up to surgery, asking questions clearly before deciding is advisable.
03
How is it different from cat surgery?
The well-known cat surgery is a method processing and inserting an artificial silicone implant. Though once a popular method, cases wanting removal for unnatural results get mentioned.
| Category | Nasolabial-angle surgery (KOWON method) | Cat surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Method | No insertion — raises the tip, pulls skin out and fixes | Processes and inserts a silicone implant |
| Material used | No foreign material (autologous-tissue based) | Artificial silicone implant |
| Feature | Little foreign-body sensation, relatively free movement | A method creating shape via an insert |
Because no insert goes in, movement is natural — and design can account for the state until stabilization after surgery. For those reasons, many people recently get nasolabial-angle surgery together when having nose surgery.
04
How long does awkwardness when smiling last after surgery?
The original answer explained that stiffness from the tip cartilage graft can last the first 1–2 months, usually turning natural over 2–3 months. Actual recovery speed differs per person.
Q. I heard nasolabial-angle surgery makes smiling look unnatural or makes it hard to smile — does that resolve with time?
This awkwardness often appears not from nasolabial-angle surgery itself but from the cartilage graft done to erect the tip.
Especially, a method inserting no cartilage or implant at the nasolabial-angle area tends to have less foreign-body sensation and freer movement than methods inserting something.
05
Summary — know the method's difference, then ask
Even under the same name 'nasolabial-angle correction,' a method using an insert and one not using one differ. Confirming clearly before surgery which method gets used and which choice fits your nose condition matters.
If curious how your profile's nasolabial angle sits, it can be checked in a 1:1 video consultation. Actual correction cases can be seen in the before & after photos.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
Are nasolabial-angle surgery and cat surgery the same surgery?
If smiling gets hard after surgery, does it stay that way?
What change can be expected from nasolabial-angle correction?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.