Why is There a Limit to How Much the Nasal Tip Can Be Reduced?

Im very curious for your professional opinion as to why there is a limit to how much the nasal tip can be reduced/less projected when it is cartilage? Thank you

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by amyemzy

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Nasal tip de-projection

The lower lateral cartilages of the tip are paired, 3 dimensional structures , shaped like 2 horseshoes. They are integral to the entire tip. De-projection of the tip can be accomplished thru a variety of techniques, including tip surgery, shaving down the dorsal septum, removing the nasal spine etc. It is very important to keep the nose in balance and breathing properly. Examples can be seen on our rhinoplasty photo gallery/overly projecting noses more

Why can't the nasal tip be changed withouth limits?

This a great question. The key to understanding the concept of shape change in the nose is to appreciate that the tip is not just a lump of cartilage which can be carved into a different shape. The nasal cartilages - and the nasal bones - are a thin shell, with complex and variable shapes. They connect with each other and the shape of each affects that of the others. There are muscles attached to each, which open and close the nose up when you breathe. The "design"of the... more

Limit to Tip Cartilage Reduction in Rhinoplasty

The lower lateral cartilages are composed of different segments, but they need to be continuity and have enough strength to keep the external nasal valves open. Also, many people do not like a pinched look, which can happen as well. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Why is There a Limit to How Much the Nasal Tip Can Be Reduced?

Thanks for the question. I don’t personally think there is a limit to reduce the tip projection. Tip projection can be reduced to whatever is desired by the patent on photo animation, with total preservation of function of nasal valve. Tip projection correction involves reducing the size of the lower alar cartilages and there are many more structures like the caudal end of the septum that can be reduced to reduce the tip projection more without out taking off too much of LLC.I am not if... more

Reduction of tip

You are limited somewhat by yoru anatomy in terms of a nasal reduction. The goal is to preserve function, not destroy the architecture.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Limit to tip reduction

Rhinoplasty alters the underlying bone and cartilage structure of the nose. the skin must then shrink to conform to this new structure to see the result. In patients with very thick skin it may be unable to do this no matter how much you reduce or shape the cartilage. In fact patients with thick skin often need to have cartilage added to create a strong shape that will show through the thick skin. In very thin skin the opposite can occur where it shrinks so much that the cartilage... more

Michael L. Schwartz, MD

3 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

Nasal Tip Reduction Limits

Part of the answer has to do with the overlying skin. In patients with thicker than average skin, you can reduce the cartilage down in size but the skin will not shrink wrap as much. Therefore, you will lose some shape and definition in this process. In other cases, the cartilage framework of the nose is too delicate to reduce its size any significant amount. To a certain degree, you have to maintain sufficient structural support for function of the nose.