Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilage of the nose? Is there any options to change it?

Question

Many people I have seen have this indent or crease between what my reasearch has gathered is the lower lateral cartilage of the nose, however I believe that mine is quite pronounced, reaching nearly to my nasal tip, and it causes a bit of self consciousness. I do believe that I wouldn't be as affected if everyone has a crease in that area, however mine is causing a split looking nose. Does everyone have this crease naturally and it visible on everyone?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  A cleft in the medial crura of the lower lateral cartilage can be fixed during surgery.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Zulu13 in Eugene, Oregon:
This really depends on the anatomy.  Obviously if the vertical split is too wide it would lend itself to temporary or permanent filler.  Not everybody has the crease and though anatomically there is always some space between the two lower lateral cartilages or tip cartilages.  Generally, it is not visible.  If you are not unhappy with it, I do not think you have to have surgery.  Consider fillers.  
  
Best wishes and happy holidays,
  
 
  
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS 
  
Over 4,500 nasal procedures performed

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

There is a separation between the lower lateral cartilage and in some people that separation is noticeable especially if the skin is thin. We can certainly address this issue in a rhinoplasty. There are several techniques to fix this issue. The procedure is straightforward if you are happy with the rest of your nose. If you want other changes to the nose done at the same time it can be done as well. We see patients from out of town all the time so we can help you coordinate. If you would like a complimentary in person or Skype consultation, we are happy to help. Best wishes

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Some patients have a cleavage between the two  nasal tip cartilages. Suture techniques applied to the lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip and cartilage grafting techniques can accomplish improving this area. A full set of photographs and an in-personal examination going to be required to make that determination. Prominent cartilages and thin skin are usually the cause.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there, this is a great question. Under the skin, the nasal tip has two cartilages that are separate to each other and meet in the midline. These cartilages are called the lower lateral cartilages and their shape greatly determines the shape of the nasal tip. If the cartilages are very strong and separate broadly in the middle, it is possible to see the separation through the skin- particularly if you have thin skin. All nasal tips have a separation between the two lower lateral cartilages, but some are more noticeable than others.During rhinoplasty, it is possible to reshape the cartilages and narrow the separation between the lower lateral cartilages to refine the nasal tip.Hope this helps. Good luck!

Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilage of the nose? Is there any options to change it?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilages of the nose tip?

Answer: Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilages of the nose tip?

Answer: Anatomy of the nasal tip

Answer: Anatomy of the nasal tip

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Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilage of the nose? Is there any options to change it?

Answers (5)

Answer: Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilages of the nose tip?

Answer: Is it normal to have a divot between the lower lateral cartilages of the nose tip?

Answer: Anatomy of the nasal tip

Answer: Anatomy of the nasal tip

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.