Surface Aesthetics in Tip Rhinoplasty: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tip rhinoplasty is a key component of aesthetic rhinoplasty. An understanding of the correlation between tip surface aesthetics and the underlying anatomic structures enables proper identification and correction of tip abnormalities. Surface aesthetics of the attractive nose are created by certain lines, shadows, and highlights with specific proportions and breakpoints. In this Featured Operative Technique, the authors describe a stepwise process for tip rhinoplasty that conceptualizes aesthetic subunits as geometric polygons to define the existing deformity, the operative plan, and the aesthetic goals. Tip rhinoplasty is described in detail, from initial markings through incisions and dissection. The autorim graft concept is explained, and lateral crural steal and footplate setback techniques are described for the attainment of symmetric domes with correct lateral crural resting angles. Methods in columellar reconstruction are described, including creating the columella (C') breakpoint and the infralobular caudal contour graft. The principal author (B.C.) has applied these techniques to 257 consecutive "polygon rhinoplasties" over the past 3 years.