Defining the nasal tip through Ethnic Rhinoplasty

One of the most common issues in "ethnic" patients seeking rhinoplasty is increased nasal tip definition. The cause of less defined nose is thicker nasal skin coupled with weaker cartilaginous support.  

Think of the analogy of a tent with a thicker canvas and weak support versus one of thinner canvas and very stiff support. The thin canvas and stiff poles will show a crisper tent outline than the heavy canvas poor supporting tent poles.

Achieving the desired shape surgically requires advanced surgical techniques. This can involve a wide range of techniques which can project, deproject, strengthen, reposition and improve the overall shape and strength of the nasal tip cartilage. The idea is to create better cartilaginous support and shape to the nose so that the nose can be better defined, natural, and functional.

The shape of the nasal tip after rhinoplasty is determined by the thickness of the skin, and the support under the tip skin. In the US today, or in the Chicago area where our practice is located, 'ethnic' is a relative term as we see a mix of patients from all over the globe. The importance is matching the aesthetics to how an individual identifies themself and  how they relate to others. The cosmetic results should be matched to provide overall facial balance.

Concerning the nasal tip, structural shaping and support can mean everything to the final appearance. For most, the thicker the skin, the smaller and thinner the cartilage support. Therefore tip grafts are key in producing aesthetic changes. Tip definition and projection can be improved in 'ethnic' rhinoplasty if needed.

To help decide if a result might be too pointy or whatever, I suggest simulation on computer to help trial the new you and test the change on paper first.

Best of luck,

peterejohnsonmd

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Despite the best efforts to "sculpt" the tip of the nose, the thickness of the skin may be the limiting factor and prevent one from achieving a pointy nose. It is very difficult to thin the skin without complications (this probably occurred with Michael Jackson's nose). The alternative is to build up the nose to tent the thick skin and create the illusion of a pointy nose. This may require cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib. Although it is not popular in the USA, silicone implants are very popular for this exact purpose in the Pacific Rim. Although they are relatively easy to perform and relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional rhinoplasty,  these do have a lifetime risk of infection and/or exposure.

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