We all know how important the nose is to an attractive face. First of all its central location makes the nose especially visible. But what makes an attractive nose? We may think that a particular nose is attractive but what catches our eye? What makes it attractive? It turns out that the length of the nose and the distance it sticks out (the projection) have to be in proportion. Once that happens the nose is almost magically transformed into one that is attractive. We all know how important the nose is to an attractive face. First of all its central location makes the nose especially visible. But what makes an attractive nose? We may think that a particular nose is attractive but what catches our eye? What makes it attractive? It turns out that the length of the nose and the distance it sticks out (the projection) have to be in proportion. Once that happens the nose is almost magically transformed into one that is attractive.
One characteristic shape that patients frequently want to be corrected is a “droopy nose”.
In a droopy nose, also called nasal tip ptosis, the tip is pointing down. This undesirable shape is usually made more obvious on smiling when the nose may appear to get longer and hook downwards, accentuating any hump along the bridge.
Correcting the drooping nose requires that the nasal length (distance from the top of nose to the tip) be reduced and frequently that the tip projection be increased. The result of shortening the nose and increasing the tip projection makes the nose more proportional and can change a disproportionate nose into an attractive nose with a dependable surgical procedure. This is one of the most gratifying procedures for both patient and surgeon because the results are so dramatic.
What is nasal tip rotation?
How is nasal length decreased? The technique is called “tip rotation”. Nasal tip rotation is the technique used to tip the nose upward, shortening the overall nasal length and increasing the angle between the lip and the nose. Obviously this has to be precise. No patient wants an overly rotated or “turned up” nose!
When you consult a rhinoplasty surgeon on having your droopy nose corrected, he/she will first measure your nasolabial angle. Ideally, this angle is 90 to 100 degrees for men and 95 to 108 degrees for women. This will also serve as a benchmark for the procedure and will be compared to the post-surgery nasolabial angle.
Once your surgeon has established that you are a candidate for a nasal tip rotation, he/she will determine if your tip projection (how far your tip sticks out) should be changed. Projection can be increased, decreased or left the same. The key is that the length of the nose and the projection are proportional.
Technique for nasal tip rotation?
Depending on the degree of tip rotation, one of several techniques can be used:
Establishing and maintaining the precise amount of tip rotation requires the combination of surgical technique and an aesthetic eye.
If you want to have your droopy nose transformed, it is important to consult an experienced surgeon. Dr. Charles Thorne has 30 years of experience in performing rhinoplasty procedures. He is an author of several books on facial aesthetic surgery. You can set an appointment with him here. He would be happy to answer your questions.
Dr. Thorne is the Editor-in-Chief and the author of several chapters in Grabb and Smith's PLASTIC SURGERY, 7th Edition.
