🎙️ Dr Dan Behind the Scalpel – Episode: Nasal Tip Cartilages

The nasal tip is one of the most complex and delicate parts of rhinoplasty. In this episode, Dr Dan breaks down the anatomy of the tip cartilages, the common deformities that affect tip shape, and the surgical techniques used to refine and support the nasal tip while maintaining long-term function and aesthetics.

🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the nasal tip cartilages are and why they are critical to nasal shape and support.
• Common nasal tip deformities, including boxy tips, twisted tips, and hanging columella.
• Why some tip deformities are caused by cartilage shape, spacing, or weakness.
• Key surgical techniques used to correct tip cartilage problems.
• The defining features of a beautiful, well-supported nasal tip.
• Common mistakes in tip surgery and how they lead to long-term complications.

🗝️ Key Notes

• The tip cartilages (lower lateral cartilages) are responsible for tip shape, definition, and nostril contour.
• A boxy tip can result from broad cartilages, widely spaced domes, or a combination of both.
• Lateral crural concavity can distort nostril shape and weaken tip support.
• A twisted tip is often due to asymmetry in cartilage orientation or strength.
• A hanging columella is frequently caused by imbalance or malposition of the tip cartilages.
• Tip correction techniques include:
  • Lateral crural tensioning
  • Tongue-in-groove fixation to the columella
  • Flip-flop flap for cartilage concavity
• A beautiful nasal tip features:
  • A clear supratip break
  • A strong tip-defining point
  • Everted nostril rims, created by lower lateral cartilage eversion or rim grafts
• Common causes of poor outcomes include:
  • Failure to use a septal extension graft
  • Over-tight dome-binding sutures leading to nostril retraction and distortion

💡 Key Takeaway

The nasal tip is where rhinoplasty success or failure is most visible. Precise cartilage support and thoughtful technique are essential to achieving a refined, stable, and natural-looking tip.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Find this episode and more on:

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