The entire width of the nose, across the nostrils, should be 1/5 the width of the nose. The width of the nasal bones, and the bridge of the nose (dorsum) shoud be 80% the width of the nostrils.

The nose is a complicated 3 dimensional structure. Changes to one part of the nose will change the appearance of other parts of the nose. For example, if a bump on the nose has to be reduced, it is reduced through a technique called a component reduction of the dorsum. When the dorsum is reduced, it creates a profile that is more straight. However, when the nose is viewed from the front, the nose will appear wider, since the bump on the nose was flattened.

This will create a deformed appearance of the nose if left uncorrected. To correct the flattened appearance of the nose from the front view, the nasal bones must be moved closer together. Moving the nasal bones together brings all of the structures of the nose together and results in narrowing of the width the entire nose. This restores the nose to a balanced and proportional appearance.

Moving the nasal bones closer together involves making controlled fractures of the nasal bones. This technique is called an osteotomy (“osteo” = bone, “otomy” = opening). Once completed, the osteotomy allows the nasal bones to be repositioned. The bones then heal in place.

Repositioning the nasal bones to restore the proper proprtions of the nose is essential in most patients. It is usually necessary because of the 3 dimensional complexity of the nose. To learn more, click on the video below to see Dr. Diaz perform osteotomies to reduce nasal width.