Nasal tip shaping、Nasal tip cartilage graft、Rhinoplasty

#Preservation Rhinoplasty

Left image: Before treatment / Right image: 6 months after

The patient underwent open rhinoplasty with structural tip refinement and alar base reduction. Auricular cartilage was harvested from the left concha and utilized effectively to construct a columellar strut and tip onlay graft, enhancing nasal support and projection. Alar cartilage was reshaped using cephalic trimming, transdomal and spanning sutures to refine tip definition and symmetry. Precise alar base reduction was performed to balance nostril width, ensuring natural proportions. Intraoperative findings were stable, and there were no complications. The procedure was completed successfully with appropriate graft fixation and soft tissue closure.

Nasal tip refinement surgery, while generally safe and effective when performed by experienced surgeons, carries certain risks that patients should be aware of. These include the possibility of prolonged swelling and bruising, particularly due to the complex anatomy and limited blood supply to the nasal tip. There is a chance of asymmetry or irregularities in the nasal shape, which may require revision surgery. Infection and delayed wound healing are also possible, though rare with proper care. Changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or hypersensitivity, can occur around the nasal tip and columella. In some cases, the use of cartilage grafts (from the ear, as done here) may lead to graft visibility, warping, or resorption over time. Finally, patients must be aware that results may continue to evolve for up to a year, and perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.