Anatomic considerations in aesthetic rhinoplasty

A thorough understanding of nasal anatomy and physiology remains critical when approaching the nose to correct any contour or functional deficiencies. This article reviews the salient, anatomic features of the nose that are relevant to the rhinoplasty surgeon and further highlights basic surgical techniques that illustrate the anatomy germane to aesthetic surgery. The external anatomy of the nose is discussed in regard to the skin/ soft-tissue envelope, the superficial musculoaponeurtic system/muscular layer, the bony/ cartilaginous framework, and the dynamic tip-support mechanisms. The discussion of internal nasal anatomy concerns functional aspects of the nose, particularly the valvular components and the septum-turbinate complex.