Tip Asymmetry Leading Request for Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty

There are many reasons why someone would undergo rhinoplasty: deviated septum, collapsed nostrils, crooked nose, etc. HealthDay News recently reported that the number one aesthetic reason for rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty in patients is tip asymmetry.

The study, which was published in the September/October issue of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, was administer by Kathy Yu, M.D. of Columbia College and Cornell University in New York. Yu and her colleagues used a questionnaire to analyze the functional and aesthetic concerns of 104 patients considering revision rhinoplasty.

According to the investigators, tip asymmetry topped the list as the most common aesthetic concern for surgeons and patients alike. The second most popular was the crooked middle third of the nose, followed by upper third irregularity. An average of 79 percent of surgeons shared the same aesthetic concerns as their patients.

"In conclusion, this study sheds light on the major concerns of patients seeking revision rhinoplasty and compares them with the surgeon's objective findings. These findings emphasize the importance of physician awareness of patients' concerns, understanding the causes of post-surgical nasal obstruction, and clearly explaining nasal aesthetics to patients seeking revision rhinoplasty,” the authors wrote.

For patients considering rhinoplasty for the first time or revision rhinoplasty, it is important that your doctor understand your aesthetic concerns and objectives. Whether it is difficulty breathing, a crooked middle third or an asymmetrical tip, it is important that the patient’s concerns are adequately communicated to their plastic surgeon.