Narrow Nasal Tip

The structure of a narrow nasal tip can vary from a simple concavity on the lateral alar wall to excessive narrowing in the region of the tip, creating an unaesthetic nose appearance. An excessively narrow nasal tip is also known as a pinched nasal tip. It not only disrupts the appearance of the nose, but also causes angry- and tough-appearing facial expressions. When the problem is addressed, it positively affects patients’ expressions, and patients receive positive feedback from others, such as: “You do not look tough anymore” and “Your expressions have become softer.” In severe cases, narrow nasal tips may also cause functional problems by blocking air flow in the inspirium. Correcting the narrow tip results in both aesthetic and functional relief. Prior to surgery, the nasal anatomy must be characterized to determine why the nose pinches inward at the nasal tip. The reason could be either congenital or a result of prior rhinoplasty surgery. The nose often narrows because the lateral crus is too weak or in the cephalad position to support the lateral borders of the nasal tip, resulting in collapse of the lateral nasal wall. The primary strategy in surgery to correct a narrow nasal tip should be strengthening the alar side wall.