Management of the Thick-Skinned Nose: A More Effective Approach

Abstract

A bulky nose is a challenging issue to manage, and surgeons have not found the ultimate solution to this problem in the evolution of rhinoplastic surgery. Because of the multiplicity of techniques and controversies published in the literature, it has become confusing for the operating surgeon to find the most appropriate and effective way of solving this frustrating dilemma. The subcutaneous fat is the thickest in the supratip area, and the soft tissue thickness over the tip of the nose varies considerably from patient to patient. The focus of this study was to find a method for reducing the overlying soft tissue of the tip for better re-draping of skin over the nasal skeleton. The hallmark of this technique is to undermine the nasal skin in two layers. We believe that soft tissue trimming in biplane dissection can minimize the thickness of the tip skin in a relatively safe and homogeneous way. With this report we introduce a new method of dissection of nasal soft tissue and of trimming it in different areas of the nose for different purposes. In the authors' opinion, this approach is one of the most effective ways of handling unpliable, thick nasal skin.