The term “piggy nose” is a widely used colloquial description for a nasal shape characterized by an upturned, or cephalically rotated, tip. This upward tilt is a natural variation of human anatomy, often genetically determined, which results in a specific aesthetic profile. This exploration will focus on the structural components that create this appearance, its functional context, and the methods used to adjust the angle of the nasal tip.
Defining the Appearance of an Upturned Nose
An upturned nose is defined aesthetically by the increased angle between the upper lip and the base of the nose, a measurement known as the nasolabial angle. In profile, this rotation causes the tip to point upward, making the nose appear shorter than it might be otherwise. The ideal range for this angle is generally considered to be 90 to 95 degrees for men and 95 to 115 degrees for women, with an upturned nose exceeding these figures. A particularly noticeable characteristic of this shape is the increased visibility of the nostrils when viewed from the front or side, often referred to as excessive alar show. This nasal shape is also sometimes referred to by the more formal terms retroussé or celestial nose in cosmetic contexts.
Anatomical Structure Behind the Look
The shape and position of the nasal tip are determined primarily by the lower third of the nose, which is composed of cartilage rather than bone. The most influential structures are the paired lower lateral cartilages, also called the alar cartilages, which form the tip and the nostril rims. These cartilages are composed of medial crura, which form the columella, and lateral crura, which define the nostril wings. If the lateral crura are short or the entire cartilage complex is highly rotated upward, the nasal tip will follow this angle. A relatively short caudal septum, the central wall dividing the nasal passages, also contributes to the upturned appearance, as a shorter length fails to provide the necessary downward support.
Is the Shape Medically Significant?
For the vast majority of individuals, the upturned nasal tip represents a purely aesthetic variation without any functional consequence. The structure of the nasal airway, which manages the passage of air, is typically unaffected by the angle of the tip itself. In some rare instances, a severe degree of upward rotation may coincide with other anatomical features that narrow the nasal passage. An extreme upward tilt can, in theory, create increased resistance to airflow by constricting the internal or external nasal valve area. A highly upturned appearance can also be an unintended result of trauma or previous nasal surgery, where the loss of structural support can lead to scar tissue contracture and an exaggerated upward rotation.
Cosmetic Approaches to Nasal Tip Rotation
A common reason people seek consultation for this nasal shape is to achieve de-rotation, which means tilting the tip downward to lengthen the nose. The goal of rhinoplasty is to counter the upward angle and diminish the visibility of the nostrils by structurally lengthening the nose’s support system. The primary technique involves the use of cartilage grafts to provide new, extended support. A septal extension graft, often harvested from the patient’s own septum, ear, or rib cartilage, is secured to the existing septum. This graft acts as a rigid scaffolding that physically pushes the entire lower third of the nose downward, allowing the surgeon to fix the lower lateral cartilages to the framework and reduce the nasolabial angle.