Hello, this is Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
With the colder months setting in, it’s time to take extra care of your immune health. Today, I’ll share the story of a young woman in her late 20s who came to us with concerns about her split nasal tip, a common feature among celebrities yet a significant source of self-consciousness for some.
What Causes a Split Nose, and Can It Be Corrected with Surgery?
The “split nose” appearance is typically due to two main factors: thin nasal skin and prominent, thick cartilage. This natural imbalance between skin and cartilage creates a visibly separated tip, as was the case for this patient. Our surgical approach focused on these specific features.
1. Pre-Surgical Design Analysis
A careful assessment of her nose and facial features showed the following:
Front View: A slightly blunt and wide tip without excessively thick skin. Her skin was thin with a noticeable subcutaneous layer that caused the tip to appear split. The bridge was wide, and the nose had a subtle deviation.
Side View: The nasal tip appeared compressed and droopy, with a slight protrusion of the upper lip. The nasion was low, and the tip appeared split.
Nostril View: Round and asymmetrical nostrils.
Given these characteristics, we diagnosed her with a bulbous nose, drooping tip, deviation, split nose, and slight protrusion of the upper lip. We incorporated these findings and her aesthetic goals into a detailed surgical plan.
2. Surgical Plan
To correct these issues, our approach included the following:
Septal Extension Graft: Using a portion of her septal cartilage to elevate the tip, correct asymmetry, and refine the nose’s contour.
Bulbous Tip Correction: Repositioning and suturing the alar cartilage to narrow the tip, while removing some subcutaneous tissue to add definition.
Split Tip Correction: Strengthening the thin nasal skin by grafting dermis tissue, repositioning the alar cartilage, and adding ear cartilage for a smooth, rounded tip.
Deviated Nose Correction: Performing lateral osteotomy and centering a silicone implant for alignment.
This comprehensive plan combined techniques that refine a bulbous tip with those that strengthen a split nose. Correcting a bulbous nose involves thinning, while split-tip correction requires added support—a unique combination of approaches.
All procedures were performed using a closed approach. This method is especially advantageous in rhinoplasty as it minimizes scarring and preserves blood circulation, which is vital for a successful outcome, especially when dealing with tissue reduction and restructuring.
3. Post-Surgical Comparison and Analysis
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
Front View:
The split tip was corrected, creating a rounded and cohesive tip. The previously deviated and wide bridge now has a balanced, natural line.
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
Side View:
The droopy tip and hump on the bridge were refined, with the nasolabial angle creating a more balanced profile and improving the appearance of the upper lip.
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
Oblique View:
The previously split tip now has a smooth, rounded contour, with improved facial balance. Even in post-operative photos, the patient looked visibly pleased with the result.
Before Surgery (Left) / Immediately After Surgery (Right)
Nostril View:
This transformation was dramatic; the previously round, blunt nostrils now appear symmetrical and refined, achieving a natural, sophisticated shape.
4. Final Thoughts
Seeing the patient’s smile post-surgery reaffirmed the impact of our work. Rhinoplasty isn’t just about aesthetic change—it often improves patients’ self-confidence, positively influencing their overall quality of life.
For those struggling with a split nasal tip, I encourage you to consult with a specialist to find the most suitable approach for your unique needs. Not every split nose can be corrected in the same way; each patient requires an individualized approach based on their nose structure, skin type, and facial features.
At Nose Lab Clinic, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, working diligently to provide natural, healthy solutions for all nasal concerns, including split nasal tips.
Thank you,
Dr. Cha-Young Kang, Director of Nose Lab Clinic.
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