The base of the nose is measured from one nostril across the upper lip to the other nostril. There is no magic number to define this length of the base of the nose. And more technically it consists of the alar lobule across the nostril sill, the base of the columella, across to the opposite sill and the lobule. The base of the nose length is usually compared to the distance between the two inner angles of the eye referred to as the intercanthal distance.
Generally speaking, this is a good way to determine what the lower base should be. The shape of the nostril as well as the nature of the tip are all taken into consideration. Viewed from below the nasal tip, nostril shaped, and face length all determine the aesthetic nature of the nose. The reduction of the base of the nose can take several forms. However, the essence is to address the lobule, or the fullness of the rim as it joins the sill. The essence of the reduction of the lower base focuses on this area of the nose. There are several different techniques that can be used to achieve the best reduction of a lower base to more aesthetically online with the inter cantonal distance.
Some doctors will perform a lower base of the nose reduction by itself. But, I prefer to address the entirety of the nose in order to achieve the optimal aesthetic result and balance. If I change the base and do not change the other associated parameters of the nose, the base may be reduced. However, the remainder of the nose stays the same and may not fit the newly reduced base. If considering the nailer base reduction I think a patient should consider a complete rhinoplasty. This is in order to achieve the best result. I prefer to do my nasal surgery under general anesthesia in order to guarantee complete comfort for the patient.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
