Nose Anatomy Associated with Nose Surgery

Landmarks and Terms Patients Should Understand Before Nose Surgery

There is some basic terminology used for describing the outside of the nose. These terms are important in understanding how nose surgery alters the shape of the nose. This is not a comprehensive list of all terminology, but rather some of the most basic words you should know when consulting with your doctor. This will make communication with your surgeon easier.

Nasion: The Starting Point of Your Nose

The area of the face where the nose starts is called the Nasion. It is where the nose takes off from the forehead. On the picture above the green line represents the forehead and the blue line is the beginning of the nose (you can see how the blue line goes away from the forehead). The meeting of these two lines, marked by the red arrow is where the nose starts-the Nasion. Ideally when looking at a profile view, the nose should start at about the level of the eyelashes with eyes open.

Nose Projection: The Length of Your Nose

The term Nose Projection refers to how far out the tip of your nose sticks out from your face. By looking at the diagram to the right, you could alternatively say that Nose Projection refers to the “length” of your nose. When the tip sticks out excessively, it is referred to as “Over-Projection”. And just the opposite, if the nose is too small, it is referred to as “Under-Projections”. The ideal Nose Projection depends on the individual, and should balance with that individuals facial features.

Nose Rotation: The Angle of the Tip of Your Nose

This term describes the position of the tip in relationship to the upper lip. It has to do with how up-turned or down-turned the tip is in relationship to the lower lip. As a general rule more rotation is associated with women and a lesser degree is rotation is acceptable for men. Noses that are too upturned are over-rotated. Under-rotated noses may appear droopy. In general slight rotation is preferred for women, and less rotation is more acceptable for men.

Nose Columella: The Base of the Nose

The Columella of a nose refers to the base of the nose that divides the nostrils. In the picture to the right, the Columella is illustrated in purple. Ideally, the Columella should be well-balanced with the individuals nostrils. A Low Columella, or “Hanging Columella”, will give the appearance of having large nostrils. There are procedures available to correct this, and they are outlined later when methods of changing the nose are discussed.

Nose Tip and Supra-Tip

In the picture to the right, the Red Arrow points to the “tip” of the nose. This is the portion of the Lower Lateral Cartilages (illustrated in green) that sticks out furthest away from the face.
The Blue Arrow points to the Supra-Tip area of the nose. The term “Supra” meaning “above”. The Supra-Tip corresponds to the area above the tip of the nose. To understand how the Supra-Tip changes the appearance of the nose, continue to Changing The Nose.

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