Eagle rhinoplasty is a type of nose reshaping surgery known in medical terms as rhinoplasty. It specifically addresses noses with a prominent dorsal hump or curve—commonly called a “eagle nose”—with the aim of making the nose more harmonious and aesthetic in relation to the overall face.
What Is an Eagle Nose?
An eagle nose is characterized by a more pronounced and often curved dorsal hump. It gets its name from the resemblance of its side profile to an eagle’s beak. You may also hear it referred to as a “Roman nose” or “hook nose.” It can lend a very distinctive and strong expression to the face.
What Are the Distinctive Features of an Eagle Nose?
The most distinctive feature of this nose type is the high, often curved dorsal hump. The nasal bridge extends prominently downward from the forehead. This curve is most noticeable in profile. Additionally, many eagle noses have a tip that tilts slightly downward, contributing to the hooked overall appearance.
How Common Is the Eagle Nose Appearance?
The eagle nose shape is quite common, estimated to occur in about 10% of the world’s population. It is not specific to any one ethnic background and can be found in people from many different regions. Historically associated with power and nobility in some cultures, modern aesthetic preferences generally favor a straighter nasal bridge.
Is the Eagle Nose Genetic?
Yes, in most cases the eagle nose structure is entirely genetic—it runs in families. If a parent or other relatives have this nose type, you are more likely to have it as well. This trait typically becomes more pronounced during adolescence as bone and cartilage development completes.
Can Trauma Lead to an Eagle Nose?
Yes, trauma can also cause an eagle nose appearance. A strong blow to the nose—such as from an accident or sports injury—can fracture the nasal bones. If these heal improperly, an irregular hump may form on the dorsum. This can create a new hump on an otherwise straight nose or accentuate a preexisting mild hump.
Are There Other Causes of the Eagle Nose Appearance?
While genetics and trauma are the most common causes, other factors can occasionally contribute. Age-related weakening of the supporting tissues at the tip can cause the tip to droop and make the nose appear more hooked. Previous unsuccessful rhinoplasties or, very rarely, infections or tumors can also alter nasal shape.
Does an Eagle Nose Affect Breathing?
The eagle nose structure can sometimes impact breathing function in addition to being an aesthetic concern. If the dorsal hump or deviation narrows the internal airways, breathing difficulties may occur. Therefore, preoperative evaluation always includes assessment of both appearance and breathing function.
What Is the Relationship with Septal Deviation?
People with an eagle nose often have a deviated septum (septal deviation) inside the nose. Septal deviation can obstruct airflow through the nostrils, causing chronic congestion and snoring. When planning eagle nose correction, any septal deviation is typically addressed in the same surgery.
Can Internal Nasal Valve Problems Occur?
The internal nasal valve is the narrowest part of the airway and is critical for breathing. The eagle nose hump can sometimes contribute to narrowing of this region. Additionally, if the surgeon removes the dorsal hump without proper support, breathing difficulties can begin or worsen postoperatively. Surgeons use special techniques to preserve or reinforce this area during surgery.
Can Functional Problems Be Corrected with Surgery?
Yes. If an eagle nose is accompanied by septal deviation or internal valve collapse causing breathing difficulty, these issues can be corrected during the same aesthetic procedure. This combined operation is called a “septorhinoplasty,” aiming to achieve both an attractive appearance and improved airflow.
What Is the Purpose of the Surgery?
The primary goal of eagle nose rhinoplasty is to make the nose shape more harmonious with the rest of the facial features. Procedures may include removing the dorsal hump, reshaping the tip, adjusting overall size, or correcting deviations. If breathing issues are present, the surgery also aims to resolve those functional problems.
What Happens During the Surgery?
During the operation, the surgeon gains access to the bony and cartilaginous structures that define the nose shape. To achieve the desired appearance, modifications are made: excess bone or cartilage may be removed, structures can be repositioned, or cartilage grafts may be added to support and shape the nose. The specific steps are tailored to each patient’s needs.
What Is the Open Technique?
In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made on the columella—the skin bridge between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to lift the nasal skin completely and directly view the underlying bone and cartilage. This approach provides better visualization and control, especially for major changes, complex cases, or revision surgeries. The resulting scar is usually very subtle once healed.
What Is the Closed Technique?
In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars. This approach is typically chosen for more limited adjustments or specific structural modifications. The surgeon’s field of view is more restricted compared to the open technique.
Which Technique Is Better?
There is no single “best” technique. The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on the patient’s nasal anatomy, the extent of correction needed, the planned procedures, and the surgeon’s experience and preference. Your surgeon will select the approach that safely and effectively achieves the desired result.
How Long Does the Surgery Take and What Anesthesia Is Used?
The duration of eagle nose rhinoplasty varies based on the scope of work, typically lasting between 1.5 and 3 hours. In more complex cases or when additional procedures (such as rib cartilage harvest) are needed, the surgery may take longer. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is completely asleep and pain-free throughout.
How Is the Dorsal Hump Removed? (Traditional Method)
In the traditional method, the excess bone and cartilage forming the dorsal hump are carefully removed using surgical instruments (rasps, chisels, etc.). This creates an “open roof” on the nasal bridge. To close this open roof and narrow the nose, controlled cuts (osteotomies) are made in the nasal bones from the sides. Spreaders grafts are often used to support the middle vault.
Can the Hump Be Corrected Without Breaking the Bones? (Dorsal Preservation)
Yes. With newer dorsal preservation techniques, the hump can be corrected without removing bone and cartilage. The principle is to preserve the dorsal roof as a single unit and modify the underlying supports to lower the entire nasal pyramid, either by “push-down” or “let-down” maneuvers. This maintains the natural contours of the dorsum. However, it is not suitable for every patient.
Are There Risks to the Dorsal Preservation Technique?
The most recognized risk of dorsal preservation is the potential for the hump to rebound partially over time (hump recurrence). This is more likely if the original hump is large or the technique is not perfectly executed, sometimes necessitating a minor revision. Your surgeon will choose the safest and most appropriate method for you.
Why Are Osteotomies Performed?
Osteotomies are controlled cuts in the nasal bones. They are most commonly performed to close the “open roof” created after hump removal. They are also used to narrow wide nasal bones or correct congenital or trauma-induced bone deviations. Osteotomies help the nose look more aesthetic in both profile and frontal views.
How Are Osteotomies Done?
During osteotomy, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to make precise cuts in the nasal bones. The most common are lateral osteotomies along the nasal sidewalls. Additional medial osteotomies (along the midline) or transverse osteotomies near the radix may be performed as needed. These cuts allow the bones to be repositioned and reshaped in a controlled manner.
What Is a Spreader Graft and Where Is It Harvested From?
Spreader grafts are thin, long strips of cartilage typically harvested from the patient’s septum. If septal cartilage is insufficient or previously used, cartilage may be taken from the ear or, rarely, the rib. These grafts are used during surgery to support or reshape specific nasal areas.
What Does a Spreader Graft Do?
The primary function of spreader grafts is to support the middle vault after hump removal, preventing internal collapse (inverted-V deformity) and narrowing of the internal nasal valve. This maintains or improves breathing function while ensuring a smooth, straight dorsum. They also help correct deviations.
Are Spreader Grafts Always Necessary?
Spreader grafts are frequently used as a preventive measure in cases with a significant hump to protect the middle vault and breathing function. However, they are not required in every surgery. In dorsal preservation techniques or when only a small hump is corrected, spreader grafts may be unnecessary. The surgeon decides intraoperatively based on the nasal structures.
Why Is the Nasal Tip Shaped?
In eagle nose rhinoplasty, the nasal tip is often reshaped because the tip may be drooping, wide, asymmetric, or undefined. After straightening the dorsum, the existing tip must be balanced with the new bridge for aesthetic harmony.
What Techniques Are Used for Tip Surgery?
Tip plasty involves reshaping the lower lateral cartilages. Depending on the desired outcome, the surgeon may use various techniques: trimming cartilage, placing sutures to narrow or lift the tip, or adding cartilage grafts for support and definition. Combinations of these methods are tailored to each patient’s needs.
Is Cartilage Grafting to the Tip Sometimes Necessary?
Yes. Cartilage grafts may be needed to support the tip, increase projection, or rotate it upward. A columellar strut graft can enhance tip support, while shield or tip-onlay grafts define and lift the tip. Graft requirements depend on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Can the Nostrils Be Reduced?
Yes. If the nostrils appear disproportionately wide or the nasal base is broad, an alar base reduction can be performed. A small wedge of tissue is removed from the base or side of the nostrils to narrow them. This is usually done in the final stages of rhinoplasty.
Op. Dr. Yunus Kaplan was born in Iskenderun in 1979. He graduated from the Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine in 2001 and completed his specialization in Otolaryngology in 2009. He has worked at various public and private hospitals. Since 2020, he has been accepting patients in the field of rhinoplasty at his private clinic in Istanbul Nişantaşı.
