Cap graft

Graft placed on the tip of the nose to increase tip definition and give more projection (increased nasal length). This is usually made from septal cartilage.

Canthus

The medial (middle) corner of the eye.

Bump

Elevated dorsum. High dorsum. Also known as a “hump.”

Boxy tip

A boxy tip is a term used to describe a tip that looks like a box from the base view.
If the lateral cartilages of the lower lateral complex are large, which means the lower third is large, this can cause the tip to look like a box. This is a complex geometric shape that required advanced rhinoplasty skills and techniques to improve in a natural way. Sculpting the lower lateral cartilage in a natural way helps create a more triangulated structure.

Bernoulli’s principle

This describes how airflow at each end of a tube like the nose can collapse the walls of the tube if the air flow is quick enough to create negative pressure. This principle is central to why the internal and/or external nasal valves collapse when you breathe in through your nose.

Batten graft

A batten graft is a cartilaginous graft that is used to support the middle vault and the area lateral to the middle of the nose. It is comprised of cartilage and helps to strengthen the nose and prevent it from collapsing with inspiration.

Batten grafts are used commonly in functional rhinoplasty. They are also commonly used in revision rhinoplasty for patients who have breathing problems. Septal, ear, and rib cartilage can be used for this.

Base view

The view from the bottom of the nose. This view is an essential part of nasal analysis and diagnosis.

Auto-spreader grafts

Using the existing medial edge of the upper lateral cartilage and flipping it internally to create space between the septum and upper lateral cartilage. This is another option different from a spreader graft taken from the septum, ear, or rib cartilage.

Augmentation

Making something bigger. Dorsal augmentation in rhinoplasty can be done with grafts, implants, and allografts.

Anterior septal angle

The angle where the dorsal (top) septum and caudal (bottom) part of the septum meet. An important landmark for rhinoplasty. Leaving this area too high can result in a “polly-beak deformity.”

Anosmia

Inability to smell. This can be helped with treatment of sinus disease.

Anatomic dome of nose

Where the medial and lateral crura of the nose cartilage meet. This is part of the tip. Rhinoplasty surgeons sculpt this carefully, as it will define the tip.

Allograft

Tissue transplanted between the same species. Alloderm is an allograft, so is irradiated cadaveric rib.

Alloderm

A material manufactured using human dermis. It is processed by a company, and different thicknesses are made. In rhinoplasty, its most common use is to be placed underneath thick skin to hide potential contours from showing in thin-skinned people. Another option with similar and sometimes better results is fascia taken from the temple region with a small incision (temporalis fascia).

Alar strut grafts

Similar to alar batten grafts, but these are placed underneath the alar instead of on top. Both alar batten and alar strut grafts can not only help with breathing, but they can also help reshape the lower third of the nose (tip) by straightening the lateral crus of the lower lateral cartilage and making the tip less “round” and less “boxy.”

Alar groove

The skin depression between the nostril and the lateral nasal wall. There is a blood vessel in this area that is important for the rhinoplasty surgeon or injector to be careful of.

Alar batten grafts

Grafts made from cartilage to help support the ala. The way these are placed will determine what part of the nose they strengthen. Alar batten grafts are placed above the lower lateral cartilage (on top of the lateral crus) or just above. These help to strengthen the internal nasal valve for breathing. Sometimes, depending on how they are placed, they can also strengthen the external nasal valve (nostril strength).

Alar base reduction

Making the nostrils smaller by reducing the width of the nostrils. There are various techniques for this. This is commonly done in African Americans, some Asians, some Caucasians, and some Middle-Eastern rhinoplasty.

Alar base

The base of the nostrils. The alar base and width can be altered in rhinoplasty.

Alae

Alae is plural. Ala is singular. Alae are the lateral aspects of the nostrils. Lateral wings of the nose. The round shape forming the lateral nostril wall that goes from the tip to the upper lip. When they are elevated (high), retracted alae can be notched and unattractive.

Aging nose

The process by which the nose ages. The tip slowly drops, the soft tissues thin and expose new contours, bone weakens, and cartilage weakens. The result is a nose that changes over time. When these changes culminate in significant age-related changes, this is called an aging nose.

Adenoid

Tissue composed of lymph located in the posterior of the nose. Enlarged adenoids can cause nasal obstruction. This diagnosis requires examination with a mirror or with a scope.

Accessory cartilages

Cartilages which connect the lateral ends of the lateral crura (cartilages in the tip) to the bony edge of the medial face. These are rarely approached during rhinoplasty and are usually a non-factor when it comes to the surgical plan.