A hooked nose is a common nasal feature, which is mainly manifested by the protrusion or curvature of the middle part of the nasal dorsum or the tip of the nose, giving the nose a beak-like appearance. The hooked nose not only affects the overall coordination and beauty of the face, but may also have a negative impact on a person's self-confidence and social behavior. In order to improve the appearance of the hooked nose, modern plastic surgery has developed a variety of surgical correction methods. This article will systematically introduce the causes of the hooked nose, common methods of corrective surgery, postoperative recovery and precautions, aiming to provide a reference for clinical work.
1. Causes and types of hooked nose
Hooked nose is mostly determined by genetic factors, and may also be related to nasal trauma, abnormal cartilage growth or post-operative deformity. According to the structural performance, hooked nose can be divided into the following types:
Cartilaginous hooked nose : mainly characterized by abnormal protrusion of the nasal septum cartilage or lateral nasal cartilage.
Bony hooked nose : An abnormal growth of the lower nasal bone or nasal septum.
Mixed hooked nose : Both the nasal bone and cartilage are prominent and deformed, which is common in fully developed adult patients.
There are significant differences in the correction methods and surgical focus for different types of hooked noses.
2. Surgical methods for hooked nose correction
According to the anatomical structure and aesthetic requirements, the commonly used surgical methods for hooked nose correction mainly include the following:
1. Nasal bone and nasal septum resection
For bony or mixed hooked noses , it is often necessary to remove excess bone tissue from the nasal dorsum. This procedure is usually done during an open or closed rhinoplasty:
Open surgery is performed through a small nasal incision combined with an endonasal incision, which provides a clear field of vision and is suitable for complex hooked noses.
Closed surgery causes less trauma and quicker recovery, but the operating field is more limited. It is suitable for mild to moderate hooked nose.
When removing bone tissue, the nose bridge should be kept smooth to avoid the formation of a "step nose" or a sunken nasal dorsum.
2. Septal cartilage repair
For cartilaginous hooked nose , the curved or protruding parts of the nasal septum cartilage need to be removed or trimmed during the operation, and the tip of the nose structure needs to be reconstructed with a stent to ensure that the nose shape is natural and stable after the operation.
Cartilage reconstruction helps maintain tip support and prevent tip droop or collapse;
②. Ear cartilage, nasal septum cartilage or costal cartilage can be used as patches appropriately.
3. Tip lift
Some hooked noses are combined with droopy nose tips. Tip lift surgery can further improve the contour, increase the nose-lip angle, and make the face more three-dimensional. Common methods include:
Cartilage support lengthening (such as septum lengthening);
Alar cartilage repositioning ;
Dermal cartilage grafting to increase the height of the nasal tip.
Lifting the nose tip can effectively neutralize the curvature of the nose dorsum and achieve a softer nose shape.
4. Nose bridge filling
In patients whose nose bridge is partially removed or has structural depression, filler surgery can be used to restore the smooth lines of the nasal dorsum:
Autologous cartilage transplantation (ear cartilage, rib cartilage);
Artificial materials (such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone) should be used with caution, and the risks of infection and rejection must be considered.
Nose bridge filling is mostly used for detail adjustment during surgery. The amount and position of filling must be carefully controlled to avoid hump-like recurrence.
3. Preoperative evaluation and individualized design
A comprehensive facial assessment is required before surgery, and an individualized correction plan is developed based on facial aesthetic standards such as mid-face proportions, nose-lip angle, and nose-frontal angle :
During the consultation, it is necessary to clarify the differences between the characteristics of the nose shape and the expected effect ;
High-quality imaging materials (such as 3D simulation) help patients understand postoperative changes;
Clarify the intraoperative soft and hard tissue treatment plan to ensure postoperative stability and natural feeling.
Preoperative communication and evaluation determine the scientific nature of surgical design and patient satisfaction.
IV. Postoperative recovery and precautions
Although hooked nose correction surgery is a routine facial plastic surgery, postoperative management cannot be ignored:
Keep your head elevated for 1 week after surgery and avoid strenuous exercise to reduce bleeding and swelling;
External fixation of the nose (such as a nasal splint) is usually required for 7 to 10 days to stabilize the position of the nasal bones;
Avoid wearing glasses or pinching your nose vigorously for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery ;
④. Swelling of the nose may last for several weeks, and it usually takes 3 to 6 months for the final shape to take shape .
Regular follow-up visits after surgery can help to promptly detect and treat postoperative complications, such as infection, uneven nasal dorsum or deviated nasal tip.
5. Surgical risks and complications
Although hooked nose correction surgery is a mature technology, there are still risks. Common complications include:
①, The nose dorsum is sunken or uneven;
② Insufficient support of the nose tip leads to secondary drooping;
③ Displacement after cartilage or bone reconstruction;
④. Infection, bleeding or scar formation.
The key to preventing complications lies in the scientific nature of the surgical design and the surgeon's experience . Precise intraoperative operation and close postoperative care are equally important.
6. Psychological and Aesthetic Influence
Hooked nose has a significant impact on individual image perception. Some patients even have social barriers caused by appearance anxiety. Plastic surgery is not only about changing appearance, but also about the psychological needs of patients:
① After the nose shape is improved, most patients’ self-confidence is improved;
② Reasonable preoperative expectation management is particularly important to avoid patients’ disappointment due to the gap in postoperative expectations ;
③. Doctor-patient communication should fully cover psychological aspects.
The goal of cosmetic surgery is not only external harmony, but also the reconstruction of the individual's inner psychology.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
As part of fine facial contouring, hooked nose correction surgery must be based on rigorous medical evaluation and professional surgical techniques. It is recommended to choose qualified and experienced medical institutions and practicing physicians to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the operation. At the same time, maintain a rational understanding of appearance and understand that everyone's facial features are part of individual beauty. This is the psychological preparation that should be made before undergoing plastic surgery. During the postoperative recovery period, the doctor's orders should be strictly followed to avoid the risks brought by self-operation. If you feel unwell, timely medical evaluation is necessary to protect your own health and the effectiveness of the operation.