Tip Refinement in Primary Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Alterations of nasal tip contour are perhaps the most challenging aspect of cosmetic rhinoplasty. And because tip contour must harmonize with the surrounding facial features in a natural but pleasing manner, some degree of surgical tip refinement is a goal of nearly every cosmetic rhinoplasty. However, in addition to constituting a major determinant of facial beauty, the tip is also an integral component of the human nasal airway. Hence, surgical alterations to the nasal tip framework must be circumspect in order to prevent impairment of nasal airway function. Naturally weak tip cartilages are at increased risk of collapse with surgical manipulation, and cartilage size may not always correspond to cartilage strength.