Nasal Base Surgery

Written by Escobar MD   

  

In some people the width of the base of the nose is somewhat greater that desired. The ideal value varies according to the patient's race, but we can say that the ideal value is equal to the distance between the eyes or up to 4 mm greater than this.

The treatment of the nasal base during a rhinoplasty is a complementary point of the surgery, but it is of great importance. If an adequate technique is not performed, there can be consequences such as asymmetries, breathing problems or visible scars.

I personally do a millimetric planning of most of the changes that I am going to perform on the patient before the surgery. In the case of the treatment of the nasal base, it is important to take its measurements before the surgery as well as the measurements of the width of the eyes, the distance between eyes and the width of the mouth. This way, we will be able to accurately calculate the amount to resect on each side and avoid being short or taking more, or even leaving asymmetries.

There are many techniques to reduce the width of the nasal base, and I personally prefer to use incisions that are hidden between the union of the nasal wing and the lip, which are visible sideways.

In the cases in which it is necessary to resect, the amount to be taken can vary from a single millimeter to five millimeters on each side in most cases. If the technique is correct and the planning was precise, the aesthetic and functional results will be satisfactory, and most important, without any visible scars and maintaining a natural shape on the nasal base.

To summarize, when narrowing the nasal base it is important to have a correct diagnosis of the case to be treated. If we conclude that it is necessary, we should plan the procedure well before the surgery, choosing the correct technique that avoids aesthetic and functional complications.