The universal tip: a systematic approach to aesthetic problems of the lower lateral cartilages

A systematic approach to the various common aesthetic problems of the lower lateral cartilages is presented. Since this approach and technique may be applied to a wide variety of problems, we have taken the liberty of calling this the universal tip. These concepts have emerged from study of the literature and have evolved over the past thousand rhinoplasties. A classification of lower lateral cartilage problems includes five basic variations: (1) the wide, amphorous, ill-defined tip, (2) insufficient projection of the tip, (3) overprojection of the tip, (4) dependent tip with lack of definition, and (5) asymmetrical tip. It is important to realize that any of these five categories may be found in various combinations with each other. The details and fundamental steps of this universal tip technique are presented along with illustrative case examples in each of the five basic variations. In approximately 4 percent of patients there is a postoperative asymmetry in the position of cartilaginous flaps in the region of the dome of the lower lateral cartilage. These abnormalities plus abnormal ridges or bossa can usually be corrected at the time of secondary surgery under local anesthesia.