Methods for correcting an arrow-shaped nose and long nose

Hello.

I am Dr. Peter C. Kang, medical director.

Yesterday, I went for a brief run wearing a hoodie and a windbreaker, and it felt surprisingly hot. The mornings are chilly while the afternoons are warm, making it prime weather for catching a cold. I woke up this morning with a slightly hoarse throat. Usually, cold viruses tend to spare ENT specialists, but recent viruses seem unaware of that rule. Just a joke, of course. Please take good care of your health during this change of seasons.

Today, let us talk about the arrow-shaped nose. In Korea, when people think of an arrow-shaped nose, a certain well-known comedian often comes to mind. What we commonly call an arrow-shaped nose typically refers to a long, drooping nose. In practice, when I mention the concept of an arrow-shaped nose to international patients, many find the term unfamiliar.

The patient who underwent surgery today had this type of arrow-shaped, long, drooping nose. Here are the photos taken during the preoperative design consultation.

<Front view>

• Arrow-shaped nose, long nose

• Crooked nose, nostril asymmetry, alar asymmetry

• Wide nose

<Profile view>

• Drooping nose

• Minor dorsal hump

• High radix

• Protruding mouth, narrow nasolabial angle

<Basal (nostril) view>

• Nostril asymmetry

• Flared nose, wide nasal sill

• Columella deviated to the right

Nasal tip:

1. Drooping tip, drooping columella, nasolabial angle → Septal extension performed using autologous rib cartilage

2. Flared nose → Nasal sill reduction

3. Nostril asymmetry → Lower lateral cartilage repositioning

Nasal bridge:

1. Deviation, dorsal hump → Nasal bone osteotomy

2. High radix → Silicone implant replacement

In the profile view, the drooping nasal tip, drooping columella, and constricted nasolabial angle have been corrected. The irregularity along the nasal bridge has also significantly improved.

From the front view, the overall leftward deviation and the elongated arrow-shaped appearance have been addressed, and the noticeably wide nasal sill has been refined.

The leftward tilt of the nostrils was corrected. While a congenital size difference where the right nostril is larger than the left cannot be completely equalized, reshaping the nostrils similarly has helped make the discrepancy less noticeable.

Looking at the photos taken on day 0 immediately after surgery, you can see a natural, balanced, and more feminine appearance without the previous elongated look. Photos taken immediately after surgery show swelling and may differ from the final result.

An arrow-shaped nose refers to a long nose with a drooping tip. The fundamental principle in correcting a long or drooping nose is providing sturdy fixation for the nasal tip. Furthermore, a long, drooping nose frequently accompanies a dorsal hump, and due to its length, nasal deviation is also very common. As a result, osteotomy is often required on the bridge, and if the nasal bones are broad, a surgery without implants may be recommended. Therefore, in this procedure, firmly anchoring the tip using strong cartilage onto a straight and stable septum, performing osteotomy carefully when needed to avoid nasal obstruction, and considering a silicone implant as indicated helps maintain the intended result over the long term.

Today, we discussed the correction of arrow-shaped and long noses. I hope this information is helpful to those considering surgery for these concerns.

This was Dr. Peter C. Kang. Thank you.