Chapter 11 The Functional Tension Nose, the Overprojected Nose
11.1 Introduction
11.1.1 Definition of Terms
The functional tension nose is characterized by an excess of anatomical components in the cartilaginous nose. The basic problem is excessive length of the septal cartilage in the basodorsal direction combined with hyperplasia of the upper lateral cartilages. Both septal and lateral cartilages develop embryologically from a common rudiment. 1 It is common, therefore, to find combined hyperplasia that frequently affects the alar cartilages as well. This overgrowth leads to a general elevation of the nasal dorsum. The nasal pyramid is narrow and resembles a high, narrow, pointed gothic arch. Due to the firm attachments between the septum and upper lateral cartilages and the membranous attachment of the alar cartilages, the changes in the nasal dorsum are always accompanied by typical deformities of the nasal tip. This marks the difference between the functional tension nose and the humped nose, in which the dorsal hump is bony or cartilaginous in varying proportions. The shape of the nasal tip is usually unchanged. The hump in itself does not cause nasal airway problems, unless it is posttraumatic and associated with septal deviation.
A pseudohump exists when the distance from the nasal tip to the facial plane is too small, causing the dorsum to move above the level of the nasal tip.
The term tension nose always refers to a combined morphological and functional problem.
Due to the excess cartilage, the functional tension nose is often disharmonious in relation to the face. It is too large and too high, i.e., overprojected. The nasal tip alone may be overprojected, independently of the overall size of the nose ( Figs. 11.1a, b and 11.2a–d ).
Building on the tripod model of Anderson and its modification by McCollough and Mangat, Parell and Becker identified four key factors in the pathogenesis of the functional tension nose: excessive height of the septum, anteroinferior rotation of the tip, narrowing of the tip, and excessive length of the lateral crura of the alar cartilages. 2 – 4
The functional tension nose also tethers the upper lip, causing abnormal exposure of the maxillary gingiva. 5
Various surgical techniques have been described for relieving tension on the alar cartilages. These techniques focused mainly on the resection of the dome area, 6 portions of the lateral crura, 7 or the upper and lower alar cartilages. 4 Bull stressed the importance of a hyperplastic anterior nasal spine in the overprojected nasal tip and recommended resecting the spine to retroposition the tip. 8
11.1.2 Measurement of Overprojection
Joseph used the profile angle as a measure of nasal projection. He defined it as the angle formed by the intersection of two straight lines: one line tangent to the glabella and chin, and a second line tangent to the nasal dorsum. He stated a normal range of 23 to 37 degrees. By measuring the angles in portraits painted by various famous artists (e.g., Holbein, da Vinci, Reynolds, Gainsborough), Joseph determined an average profile angle of 30 degrees 9 ( Fig. 11.3 ).
Goode recommended the ratio of nasal length, measured as the distance between the nasion and pronasale, and projection measured between the alar groove and the pronasale for evaluating underprojection or overprojection of the nose and nasal tip. He defined the normal range as a ratio of 0.55 to 0.60. 10
Baud described a method of profile analysis in which he drew a circle around the face with a radius from the external auditory canal to the pronasale (tip-defining point). He then checked the relationship between three key profile points (the pronasale, pogonium, and frontal hairline). Ideally, the three key points are located on the path of the circle (see Chapter 5). He used three sectors and sector angles to analyze the profile. 11 Our own modification of this method is described in Chapter 5. In our experience, the facial circle should be centered on the lateral roof of the external auditory canal (the porion).
We have had good experiences with a simplified and modified form of this method in routine situations, as it permits a rapid assessment of nasal projection in relation to the chin and forehead. The following questions can be answered:
Is the nose or tip overprojected?
Does the patient have maxillary or mandibular prognathism?
How does the forehead affect the profile (high or sloping forehead)?
Digital image processing can be used, for example, to predict whether reducing the tip projection, causing a relative anterior displacement of the pogonion toward the circle, will provide sufficient improvement to the profile, or whether chin augmentation should be recommended 12 , 13 ( Fig. 11.4 ).
11.2 Indications
The surgical treatment of the overprojected nose or functional tension nose has both functional and aesthetic indications. Both indications are based on the same morphological causes, and they are separated here purely for didactic reasons.
11.2.1 Functional Indications
The nares display typical changes: they are narrow, have a slit-like rather than oval shape, and terminate in a high “gothic” vestibule. The alar lateral crura and upper lateral cartilages are medialized, causing stenosis of the nasal valve. The nasal valve is formed by the junction of the free caudal margin of the upper lateral cartilage with the septal cartilage. The normal nasal valve opens at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. This angle is decreased in the functional tension nose, which in itself leads to obstructed nasal breathing. Forced inspiration causes the nasal valve to narrow and collapse, causing further airway obstruction ( Fig. 11.5 ). Even a mild degree of high septal deviation in this situation will produce marked aerodynamic effects and exacerbate the nasal obstruction. Today, the term nasal valve (see Chapter 5) is distinguished from nasal valve area, which includes the membranous attachment to the free cranial margin of the alar cartilage and the functionally important head of the inferior turbinate.
11.2.2 Aesthetic Indications
The functional tension nose is characterized by hyperplasia of the septal cartilage. Typically, the septal cartilage is too long in its dorsobasal dimension, elevating the upper lateral cartilages and cartilaginous nasal dorsum. The cartilaginous dorsum is typically convex or may form a hump, which blends proximally with a bony hump at the rhinion. The nasofrontal angle is reduced, depending on the size of the hump. Not infrequently, hyperplasia of the individual cartilages is also combined with increased longitudinal growth, creating the impression of a long nose.
Functional tension nose is associated with typical changes in the supratip area, depending on the anatomical situation. The supratip point moves to the level of the tip-defining points, and tip definition is lost.
Elastic fibers in the nasal tip area pass from the corium layer of the skin to the corium of the nasal vestibule. 14 The skin in this area is relatively immobile. If the hyperplasia of the caudal septum can no longer be compensated by the elastic and collagen fibers of the skin over the nasal tip and the connective tissue fibers between the septum, alar cartilages, lateral cartilages, and membranous septum, then the tip-defining points will drop below the level of the supratip point (at the level of the anterior septal angle). This drooping of the tip is called ptosis.
If we draw a straight line from the tip-defining point to the supratip point, we find that the angles of the nasal tip tangents are reversed when compared with the “ideal” nose. Although this discrepancy in the levels of the tip and supratip areas may be no more than 1 to 2 mm, it has a significant impact on nasal tip aesthetics ( Figs. 11.5a–h and 11.6a–f ).
11.3 Contraindications
Contraindications for septorhinoplasty for a functional tension nose or an overprojected nose or tip are based on functional and aesthetic considerations. Other contraindications may be due to underlying conditions (e.g., coagulation disorders, hypertension) or systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus). The patient′s skin and connective-tissue type may prohibit the use of certain operative techniques. For example, very thin skin through which the contours of the alar cartilages can be seen preoperatively would contraindicate grafting procedures on the tip.
An overprojected nose with a convex dorsum may be an ethnic feature. It may be very desirable to preserve this convexity at operation. We have also seen cases in which the patient desired straightening of the nasal dorsum but her family did not. The operation should not be scheduled until an agreement has been reached.
11.3.1 Functional Contraindications
Good nasal breathing in computer rhinomanometry.
No stenosis or collapse of the nasal valve, no inspiratory alar collapse.
Function should not be sacrificed for morphological change. If significant reduction of the dorsum is needed, the surgeon should use spreader grafts, for example, or alternative techniques to establish a functioning nasal airway.
11.3.2 Aesthetic Contraindications
Adverse effects on the overall profile. For example, a high nasal dorsum “lightens” a heavy, massive chin, even in prognathism. Lowering the dorsum in this case would further accentuate the lower half of the face.
The correction of an overprojected nose, possibly combined with a mentoplasty, can radically alter the facial appearance. If the patient does not want this, the surgery may be contraindicated.
11.4 Preoperative Preparations and Prerequisites
11.4.1 Inspection
As with every nose, facial proportions should be considered in the assessment of the functional tension nose, especially the position of the chin, forehead, maxilla, and mandible in the three standard views: frontal, lateral, and basal.
When the tension nose is viewed from the front, the bony and cartilaginous framework appears thin and the nasal base is narrow. The skin of the supratip and tip area is tight, pale (hypoemic), and relatively immobile. The nasal dorsum and tip are usually narrow. The infratip triangle is usually too long.
In the basal view, the nares appear narrow and slit-like rather than elliptical, and they terminate in a high “gothic” vestibule. The alar lateral crura and upper lateral cartilages are medialized (see Fig. 11.6 ).
Typical associated profile changes are described in the section on Aesthetic Indications earlier in this chapter. 15
11.4.2 Palpation
Especially in patients with a functional tension nose, palpation of the external and internal nose yields information that is important for surgical planning. It is easier to palpate tension than to see it.
External nose: size, shape, and resilience of the alar cartilages; palpation of the anterior septal angle; tip recoil and tip support.
Internal nose: anterior septum, anterior nasal spine, membranous septum, medial crura, and footplates.
11.4.3 Function Studies
Active anterior rhinomanometry should be performed to objectify the subjective sensation of obstructed nasal breathing. This study is based on the synchronous recording of the narinochoanal pressure difference ∆P (in Pa) and of the nasal airflow V (in cm3/s). 12 , 16
If there are signs of nasal valve stenosis, Bachmann recommends the dilatation test. Spreading open the upper part of the valve with a small cotton ball can demonstrate the pathological significance of the morphological or functional valve stenosis. The dilatation curve in this case is better than the resting curve. 17
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
