Resources

Glossary of Terms

Understanding the terminology used in rhinoplasty can help you better communicate with your surgeon and comprehend educational materials about the procedure.

Alar Base

The lower, outer portion of the nose where the nostrils meet the face.

Alar Cartilages

Also called lower lateral cartilages, these structures give shape to the nasal tip and nostrils.

Columella

The tissue that separates the nostrils at the base of the nose.

Dorsum

The bridge of the nose, extending from between the eyes to the tip.

Graft

Tissue (usually cartilage) taken from one area and placed in another to provide structure, support, or volume.

Nasal Bones

The upper, bony portion of the nose that forms the bridge.

Nasal Septum

The wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two chambers.

Nasal Tip

The rounded end of the nose, formed by the lower lateral cartilages.

Nasal Valve

The narrowest part of the nasal airway, critical for proper breathing.

Osteotomy

Controlled fracture of the nasal bones to reposition them during rhinoplasty.

Projection

How far the tip of the nose extends from the face.

Rhinoplasty

Surgical modification of the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes.

Septoplasty

Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing.

Septorhinoplasty

Combined procedure that addresses both the appearance of the nose and a deviated septum.

Turbinates

Structures inside the nose that warm, humidify, and filter air as it passes through the nasal passages.

Upper Lateral Cartilages

Cartilages that connect to the nasal bones and help form the middle portion of the nose.

References and Further Reading

The following resources provide reliable, in-depth information about rhinoplasty:

Medical Literature

• Rhinoplasty: Current Concepts and Controversies
Rohrich RJ, Ahmad J.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016;138(3):705e-722e.
PubMed Link

• Rhinoplasty: A Practical Guide for Surgical Planning
Guyuron B.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;132(1):146e-156e.
PubMed Link

• Preservation Rhinoplasty: A New Rhinoplasty Revolution
Daniel RK, Palhazi P.
Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2018;38(2):228-245.
PubMed Link

• Rhinoplasty
Azizzadeh B, Reilly MJ.
StatPearls [Internet]. 2023.
NCBI Link

• Complications in Rhinoplasty
Rettinger G.
GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2007;6:Doc08.
PMC Link

Professional Organizations

• American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
https://www.aafprs.org/
Provides patient information, surgeon finder, and educational resources.

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Offers comprehensive information about rhinoplasty and other plastic surgery procedures.

• The Rhinoplasty Society
https://www.rhinoplastysociety.org/
Organization dedicated to the advancement of rhinoplasty techniques and education.

• American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
https://www.entnet.org/
Provides information about functional aspects of nasal surgery.

Books

• Dallas Rhinoplasty: Nasal Surgery by the Masters
Rohrich RJ, Adams WP, Ahmad J, Gunter JP.
CRC Press; 3rd edition (2014)

• Rhinoplasty: The Experts' Reference
Shiffman MA, Di Giuseppe A.
Springer; 1st edition (2016)

• Aesthetic Rhinoplasty
Sheen JH, Sheen AP.
Quality Medical Publishing; 2nd edition (1998)

• The Nose: Revision and Reconstruction
Tardy ME, Brown RJ.
Thieme; 1st edition (1997)

RELATED PROCEDURES

Several procedures are often performed in conjunction with or as alternatives to rhinoplasty:

Septoplasty

Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing. Often performed alongside rhinoplasty in a combined procedure called septorhinoplasty.

Turbinate Reduction

Procedure to reduce the size of the turbinates (structures inside the nose) to improve airflow. Can be performed using various techniques including radiofrequency ablation, outfracture, or partial resection.

Nasal Valve Repair

Surgical correction of nasal valve collapse, which can cause breathing difficulties. May involve cartilage grafting or other techniques to strengthen and support the nasal valve area.

Liquid Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical procedure using injectable fillers to temporarily alter the appearance of the nose. Can camouflage bumps, improve symmetry, or enhance tip projection, but cannot reduce the size of the nose.

Sinus Surgery

Procedures to address chronic sinusitis or other sinus issues. May be performed alongside rhinoplasty if the patient has both cosmetic concerns and sinus problems.

Facial Implants

Procedures to enhance other facial features, such as the chin or cheeks, which can improve overall facial balance in conjunction with rhinoplasty.

Resources

Glossary of Terms

Understanding the terminology used in rhinoplasty can help you better communicate with your surgeon and comprehend educational materials about the procedure.

Alar Base The lower, outer portion of the nose where the nostrils meet the face.

Alar Cartilages Also called lower lateral cartilages, these structures give shape to the nasal tip and nostrils.

Columella The tissue that separates the nostrils at the base of the nose.

Dorsum The bridge of the nose, extending from between the eyes to the tip.

Graft Tissue (usually cartilage) taken from one area and placed in another to provide structure, support, or volume.

Nasal Bones The upper, bony portion of the nose that forms the bridge.

Nasal Septum The wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose into two chambers.

Nasal Tip The rounded end of the nose, formed by the lower lateral cartilages.

Nasal Valve The narrowest part of the nasal airway, critical for proper breathing.

Osteotomy Controlled fracture of the nasal bones to reposition them during rhinoplasty.

Projection How far the tip of the nose extends from the face.

Rhinoplasty Surgical modification of the nose for cosmetic or functional purposes.

Septoplasty Surgical correction of a deviated nasal septum to improve breathing.

Septorhinoplasty Combined procedure that addresses both the appearance of the nose and a deviated septum.

Turbinates Structures inside the nose that warm, humidify, and filter air as it passes through the nasal passages.

Upper Lateral Cartilages Cartilages that connect to the nasal bones and help form the middle portion of the nose.