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How is the Front of a Nose Made More Defined?

How do you make a nose more defined? Does it have anything to do with the septum?

Doctor Answers 4

Nasal Definition

I believe that your question regarding the "front of the nose" probably refers to the appearance of the nasal tip.  Generally, the aesthetics of the nasal tip are related to the character and strength of a a pair of gull winged cartilages (the lower lateral cartilages), and how they relate to the caudal septum and upper lateral cartilages.  The thickness and quality of the nasal skin also play a role in nasal tip definition.  All of these structures have a rather complex interplay, so it is important to understand that Rhinoplasty is an intricate procedure.  Failure to understand this has lead to "cookie cutter" procedures and, unfortunately, many odd looking noses.  See an experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon if you are considering this procedure.

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 51 reviews

Definition of the Nose

In general the concept of a “refined” nose refers to a well defined tip and bridge, which involves the sculpting and other surgical techniques of the nasal tip cartilages and the bones of the bridge. Definition of the nose should not be achieved by the septum for the most part, except for along the profile.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 73 reviews

How refining the nasal tip is accomplished

Dear Sharpie,

I will assume that you are asking about how a nasal tip is refined. The shape of the nasal tip depends on the underlying cartilaginous skeleton and the overlying skin. The cartilage is usually altered to improve nasal tip definition by using one or multiple techniques that involve removing cartilage, stitching cartilage in a certain shape, or adding cartilage in certain areas. If the nasal skin is thick, the cartilage shaping must be more exaggerated in order to see their effects. In some cases the nasal skin can be thinned, but should be done cautiously.

The septum does not typically impact cartilage definition directly, but it may be involved as it can be a source of cartilage graft, or a point of fixation for stitches or grafts. Certain areas of septum removal may also impact the definition just above the tip.

Best regards,

Lawrence Tong MD FACS FRCSC

Lawrence Tong, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Creating Nasal Tip Definition Starts with Good Exam

There is no single technique to make a tip more defined.  Every nose represents a different challenge.  While this seems obvious, ignoring this maxim is probably the primary reason for poor surgical outcomes.  A good surgeon takes time to complete a thorough history and exam.  You should be confident that your surgeon understands what is causing the deformity and how to correct it.  Don't be afraid to ask questions such as: 'What is causing my nose to look like this and what can be done to fix it?'  If the answer doesn't make sense to you, consider another opinion. 

Joseph Campanelli, MD
Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews
