The "light reflex" tip-plasty-a new theory in tip esthetics and tip correction

What makes a tip well defined, appealing, and natural looking is not only the gross shape, but also a certain pattern of linear light reflexes which correspond to the undulation of the surface. A study was carried out on a dozen individuals thought to have attractive nasal tips. Photographic and drawing techniques were used to analyze the linear pattern of the "light reflex" on the tip, and to determine the pattern of the surface configuration of an attractive tip. Next, the tip reduction in rhinoplasty was planned in such a way as to ensure that the cut edges of the remaining alar cartilage will reflect the light in the desired pattern, hence giving the visual illusion of a natural tip configuration. This new technique was tried on more than 50 patients over a period of three years. The long term follow-up was very satisfactory.