Wide Nasal Tip

Although the definition of a wide nasal tip varies, many patients seeking rhinoplasty complain of a tip that is disproportionately wide compared to other nasal components. Wide nasal bases that become prominent as the face moves constitute the second most common complaint. Most rhinoplasty surgeons use terms such as broad, bulbous, boxy, ball-like, or bulky to describe large nasal tips. However, these terms are confusing. Thus, we use “wide nasal tip” to describe a nasal tip that is wide and less organized than the middle and upper vaults. A wide nasal tip is a large tip that includes a generous skin area, a large alar cartilage volume, and a wide nasal base. We explored the anatomical causes of wide nasal tips and the treatment options. Surgeons with a thorough understanding of structural rhinoplasty maneuvers, and who engage in appropriate preoperative assessment, can effectively treat various types of broad nasal tips reproducibly and predictably.