Tip

The high point of the lobule. Also synonymous with “lobule”.

Symba concha cartilage

A straight portion of cartilage taken from the ear for rhinoplasty. It is most often used in secondary, or revision rhinoplasty. The incision can be made in front or in back of the ear, in the ear crease.

Supratip area

This is the area just above the tip. This term is an anatomic location which is specifically discussed and analyzed before surgery and after surgery in many patients. This area can swell after surgery which can be treated with steroid injections.

In some patients, the supratip area retains fullness related to excess cartilage that was left behind.

dorsum

Submucous resection

This is the process of removing cartilage or bone which is underneath mucosa. Mucosa is the inner lining of the nose. So submucous resection refers to elevating the internal lining of the nose to remove either cartilage or bone. Submucous resection is performed for septoplasty, septal cartilage harvest, as well as some types of turbinate reduction (turbinoplasty).

Strut graft

Content: A strut graft is used to strengthen a certain part of the nose. They can be used on the columella which is between the nostrils.

They can also be used on the sides of the nasal valve to strengthen the airway. Typically, they are made from cartilage taken from the septum, ear, or rib.

Spurs

In reference to the septum, these are portions of the septum that jet out, or stick out. They can cause nasal obstruction and even sinus issues.

Spreader grafts

Grafts of cartilage placed between the upper lateral cartilages and the septum to widen the middle third of the nose. These graft help with vestibular stenosis as well as prevent depressions/concavity in the middle third of the nose which can be a cosmetic issue. Spreader grafts can also help camouflage a crooked nose as well as deal with asymmetries. They are some of the most commonly used grafts in rhinoplasty and functional nasal surgery (functional rhinoplasty).

rhinoplasty-term-spreader-graft
Image from Bailey’s Otolaryngology Textbook. Chapter 183. Management of the Crooked Nose by Drs. Murakami and Zoumalan.

Splints

On the outside a splint is used after rhinoplasty to keep the bones in place as well as decrease swelling and bruising. If splints are used on the inside after septoplasty, they are used to minimize swelling and decrease healing issues.

Soft triangle

The skin area between the alar rim (nostril rim) and the curved border of the junction of the medial and lateral crura. Sometimes, this is well defined, and it is referred to as a facet.

Shield graft

A graft that sits on the tip of the nose and extends inferiorly. It provides tip projection and definition.