45 terms patients encounter in revision rhinoplasty consultations and operative reports — defined in plain language, organized alphabetically.
This glossary defines 45 medical terms patients encounter during revision rhinoplasty consultations and operative reports — alar batten graft, columellar strut, polly-beak, saddle nose, spreader graft, internal nasal valve, septal perforation, conchal cartilage, costal cartilage, DCF, and many more — defined in plain language without sacrificing precision.
Medical terminology in rhinoplasty can be opaque to patients. This glossary covers the terms most often used in revision rhinoplasty consultations, operative reports, and surgical literature — defined in plain language without sacrificing precision.
A piece of cartilage placed along the lateral wall of the nostril to support and prevent collapse during breathing. Commonly needed in revision when the primary surgery weakened the lateral structures.
A subtle cartilage strip placed along the rim of the nostril to refine its shape and prevent retraction. Used to correct alar retraction or visible nostril asymmetry.
An upward pulling of the nostril rim, exposing too much nostril when viewed from the front. A common revision deformity, usually from over-aggressive primary tip work.
Visible bumps at the tip of the nose where the dome cartilage shows through thin skin. A common late finding after primary tip surgery, especially with thin skin and aggressive cartilage trimming.
The dorsum of the nose — the structure between the radix (root) and the supratip area. Comprised of nasal bones (upper) and upper lateral cartilages (lower).
A round, undefined nasal tip shape. Either congenital (primary candidate) or persistent after a primary that didn't adequately address tip cartilage anatomy.
A cartilage graft attached to the caudal (front) end of the septum to control tip projection, rotation, and deviation. A workhorse graft in revision rhinoplasty.
Surgical approach using only intranasal incisions, leaving no external scar on the columella. Compared to open approach, more limited visualization but no visible external scar.
The strip of skin and cartilage between the nostrils, supported by the columellar struts of the medial crura. Often the site of the open rhinoplasty incision.
A piece of cartilage placed between the medial crura to provide tip support. Especially important in revision when the original tip cartilage support has been weakened.
Cartilage harvested from the bowl-shaped area of the ear (concha). A common second-line graft source in revision when septal cartilage is exhausted.
Cartilage harvested from the rib (typically 6th or 7th). The gold-standard graft material for major revision work requiring substantial volume or stiffness.
A visible deviation of the nasal axis from midline. Common revision indication, often associated with septal deviation that wasn't fully addressed in the primary.
Cartilage cut into small fragments (0.5-1 mm) for use as filler graft, often wrapped in fascia (DCF technique).
A hybrid graft technique combining diced cartilage with autologous fascia (often temporal fascia) for moldable dorsal augmentation.
A bump or convexity on the bridge of the nose. Reduction is one of the most common primary rhinoplasty goals; over-reduction is a frequent revision indication.
The bridge of the nose — see 'bridge'.
The opening at the front of the nostril, including the alar wall. Collapse during breathing is a common revision functional indication.
A V-shaped shadow visible on the bridge after primary surgery, indicating step-off between the upper lateral cartilages and nasal bones. Usually from inadequate spreader graft or hump-reduction technique.
The narrow angle between the nasal septum and the upper lateral cartilage. Collapse here causes obstruction worsened by deep breathing or exercise.
The L-shaped support framework at the front of the septum, providing structural integrity to the bridge and columella. Preserving the L-strut during septal harvest is a primary surgery principle.
Surgical approach using a transcolumellar incision plus intranasal incisions, allowing full exposure of underlying anatomy. Standard for complex revision.
A flat or open appearance at the top of the bridge after hump reduction without proper bone closure. Visible on three-quarter view as widening of the bridge.
The formal surgical document produced by the operating surgeon describing the procedure performed. Essential for any revision planning; patients have a legal right to a copy.
A narrowed, pinched appearance of the nasal tip caused by overly aggressive lateral crural resection or mishandling of tip cartilages. A common revision indication.
A profile deformity where the supratip area sits higher than the tip, creating a beak-like silhouette. Multiple causes including supratip skin scarring, septal over-resection, or tip support loss.
A surgical philosophy that preserves more native nasal structure rather than reshaping it. In primary, preserves dorsum as a unit. In revision, applies more selectively.
The main central cartilage of the septum, usable as graft material once the L-strut is preserved.
The root of the nose, where the nasal bones meet the frontal bone. Subtle changes here significantly affect overall facial harmony.
Gradual reduction in graft volume over time as cells in the cartilage break down. More common in rib than septum or ear; affects long-term outcome predictability.
Surgery performed to correct an unsatisfactory result of a previous nose surgery. Technically more challenging than primary; requires specialty experience.
A scooped-out bridge sitting below the natural dorsal line. Caused by over-resection of dorsal structure or septal collapse. Revision requires substantial structural augmentation, typically with rib.
Fibrous tissue that forms during healing. After primary surgery, scar tissue throughout the nose makes revision technically harder and reduces tissue plane visibility.
A bend or curve in the nasal septum away from midline. Causes both functional (breathing) and cosmetic (crooked nose) problems. Often inadequately addressed in primary.
A hole through the nasal septum. Causes whistling, crusting, bleeding, and sometimes pain. A serious complication that requires specialized repair.
Surgical correction of a deviated septum. Often combined with rhinoplasty; can be performed alone for purely functional indications.
A cartilage graft placed in front of the tip to add definition and projection. Useful in revision tips that lack adequate native support.
The skin and underlying soft tissue covering the nasal framework. Skin thickness affects how surgical changes show; thick skin masks small changes and reveals only larger ones.
A long, narrow cartilage graft placed between the dorsal septum and upper lateral cartilage. Restores or maintains the internal nasal valve and middle vault width.
The area of the nasal bridge just above the tip. The site of supratip break (the natural angle between bridge and tip) and supratip swelling (often persistent after primary).
How far the nasal tip extends forward from the face. Often modified in primary; over- or under-projection are common revision indications.
The angle the nasal tip points relative to vertical. Over-rotation (too 'lifted') and under-rotation (too 'droopy') are revision indications.
The cartilages forming the middle vault of the nose, just below the nasal bones. Critical for the internal nasal valve and middle vault width.
Inward movement of the nasal sidewall during breathing, restricting airflow. Internal valve collapse and external valve collapse have different anatomical causes and treatments.
Deformation of cartilage grafts over time as cells inside remodel. More common in rib grafts; reduced by carving from balanced central rib core.
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