Rotating the Tip in Long Noses: A Strategy rather than a Single Technique

Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures in plastic surgery, the incidence of which has increased up to approximately 1 million cases in 2016 according to the recent International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery survey. This study aimed at defining the importance of each sequential procedure within the same surgery, the extent to which a procedure can be performed, and those that can be omitted.

In this descriptive study, 27 candidates (18 women; nine men; age range, 20-48 years) for primary rhinoplasty between September 2016 and September 2019 were included. All had long noses, their main concern was reduction of nasal tip projection and all were seeking cranial tip rotation to enhance their tip aesthetics. Those who required revision rhinoplasty or who had nasal deformities due to congenital defects, and those older than 60 or younger than 18 years of age, were excluded.

The average nasolabial angle in women preoperatively was 88.2 ± 6.6 and postoperatively 102.8 ± 5.6. In men, the average average nasolabial angle preoperatively was 79.6 ± 5.4 and postoperatively 92.3 ± 2.3. In both men and women, the P value was <0.001, which indicates high significance. Tip rotation was achieved in all patients, with 81% achieving ideal rotation, and 19% exceeding the ideal range.

Rotating the tip in long noses is a complex procedure. It can be achieved by many described techniques, but not all are required. A general strategy should be followed during which variable techniques, with varying efficacy, can be utilized.