22 Apr Wide Nose Rhinoplasty: How to Achieve a More Proportionate Look

When it comes to changing the appearance of the nose, one of the most common requests from patients is to address the width of their nose. Having a wide nose can throw off the balance of the face, making other features look out of proportion. Fortunately, wide nose rhinoplasty can help address this issue and achieve a more natural and elegant look. This post will explore the different types of wide noses and the techniques used to perform a successful wide nose rhinoplasty.

Types of Wide Noses

The width of the nose can be assessed by looking at the front view. The nose is divided into three parts: the top, middle, and bottom portions. Each third has a different anatomical structure, and each third should be addressed individually in cases of an overall wide nose.

The top third of the nose is made up of the nasal bone. Narrowing this area requires different techniques than working on cartilage. Two options are available: the traditional method, where the bones are strategically fractured and pushed inward, or ultrasonic rhinoplasty, in which a device called a piezotome is used to sculpt the bones to a more narrow configuration.

The middle third of the nose is made of cartilage. The septum in the middle and structures are primarily known as the upper lateral cartilages on either side. Narrowing this area involves manipulating the cartilage to reduce the width of the nose. Oftentimes, spreader grafting is used to create well-defined “dorsal aesthetic lines,” which are those nice vertical lines traveling from the eyebrow to the nasal tip.

The bottom third includes the nasal tip and the ala or nostrils. Narrowing the tip of the nose involves manipulating the cartilages, known as the lower lateral cartilages. Many techniques have been described to address tip width. The ala is also frequently part of the wide nose, and narrowing these is different than the other techniques discussed because they are made of skin only. Narrowing them involves excising a portion of skin and then reconstructing the ala, leaving a well-hidden scar on the nose.

Achieving a More Proportionate Look

Narrowing a wide nose requires skill and expertise to achieve a more proportionate look. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon who can perform the procedure with precision and care is crucial. A good surgeon will assess the patient’s facial features and nasal structure and create a personalized surgical plan that addresses the specific issues with the width of the nose.

In conclusion, a wide nose can affect the balance of the face and make other features look out of proportion. Wide nose rhinoplasty can help address this issue and achieve a more natural and elegant look. With the right surgical techniques and a skilled surgeon, patients can expect great results and increased confidence in their appearance.