Facial Plast Surg 2012; 28(02): 137-144
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1309291
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Normal and Variant Anatomy of the Nasal Tip

Amy S. Ketcham
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
,
Eric J. Dobratz
1   Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 May 2012 (online)

Abstract

A thorough understanding of nasal tip anatomy is a prerequisite to understanding the nuances of restructuring the nasal tip. The three-dimensional structural anatomy of the nasal tip is complex. Additionally, the interrelationship between these structures determines the ultimate form and function of the nasal tip. As a result, alteration of one structure in the tip will often lead to change in other portions of the nasal tip. This dynamic concept of anatomy in the nasal tip makes proper alteration of the nasal tip one of the most challenging tasks faced by a rhinoplasty surgeon. This article provides a fundamental knowledge of the normal anatomy of the tip structures and how their interaction with each other determines the shape and support of the lower portion of the nose. It also provides a description of some common variants of tip anatomy that cause patients to seek consultation for rhinoplasty. A proper understanding of the concepts presented provides a foundation to build on as the reader continues to explore the “nuances of the nasal tip.”

 
  • References

  • 1 Tardy E, Brown R. Surgical Anatomy of the Nose. New York, NY: Raven; 1990: 74-94
  • 2 Lo S, Rowe-Jones J. Suture techniques in nasal tip sculpture: current concepts. J Laryngol Otol 2007; 121: 1-8
  • 3 Anderson JR. A reasoned approach to nasal base surgery. Arch Otolaryngol 1984; 110: 349-358
  • 4 Ghavami A, Janis JE, Acikel C, Rohrich RJ. Tip shaping in primary rhinoplasty: an algorithmic approach. Plast Reconstr Surg 2008; 122: 1229-1241
  • 5 Papanastasiou S, Logan A. Management of the overprojecting nasal tip: a review. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2000; 24: 353-356
  • 6 Han SK, Lee DG, Kim JB, Kim WK. An anatomic study of nasal tip supporting structures. Ann Plast Surg 2004; 52: 134-139
  • 7 Goode RL. A method of tip projection measurement. In: Powell N, Humphrey B, , eds. Proportions of the Aesthetic Face. New York, NY: Thieme-Stratton; 1984: 14-39
  • 8 Crumley RL, Lanser M. Quantitative analysis of nasal tip projection. Laryngoscope 1988; 98: 202-208
  • 9 Simons RL. Adjunctive measures in rhinoplasty. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1975; 8: 717-742
  • 10 Hamra ST. Repositioning the lateral alar crus. Plast Reconstr Surg 1993; 92: 1244-1253
  • 11 Foda HM. Management of the droopy tip: a comparison of three alar cartilage-modifying techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg 2003; 112: 1408-1417 ; discussion 1418–1421
  • 12 Toriumi DM. New concepts in nasal tip contouring. Arch Facial Plast Surg 2006; 8: 156-185
  • 13 Li AQ, Sun YG, Wang GH, Zhong ZK, Cutting C. Anatomy of the nasal cartilages of the unilateral complete cleft lip nose. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 109: 1835-1838