Nasal dorsum: the line of the nose from front and profile
Quick facts
- Definition
- The line that runs from the root of the nose to the tip, formed by the nasal bones and cartilages.
- Profile classification
- Straight, convex (with a hump), or concave (saddle).
- Structures
- Bony upper third and cartilaginous middle and lower thirds.
- Vascular risk
- High: the circulation of the nose connects to that of the eye.
- Management
- Careful assessment; management by the qualified professional, according to the rules of their council.
The nasal dorsum is the line that runs from the root of the nose to the tip, seen from the front and, above all, in profile. The upper third is bony, formed by the nasal bones, and the middle and lower thirds are cartilaginous, supported by the cartilages of the nose. It is the feature of the nose that most defines the profile of the face.
How is the dorsum classified?
| Type | How it appears in profile | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Continuous line from root to tip | Reference for symmetry and harmony |
| Convex | Bump (hump) on the dorsum | May be bony, cartilaginous, or mixed |
| Concave | Depression on the dorsum (saddle) | May be constitutional or post-trauma and post-surgical |
The classification describes what is seen; on its own it does not determine management. The reading also considers the root of the nose (nasion), the nasal tip, and the proportions with the rest of the profile.
Why does the dorsum call for care?
The nose is supplied by branches that connect to the circulation of the eye, such as the dorsal nasal artery and the angular artery. A product that enters a vessel in this network can cause vascular occlusion, with risk to the skin and, rarely, to vision. For this reason, nasal filler (nonsurgical rhinoplasty) is treated as a high-risk procedure and requires experience, anatomical knowledge, and preparedness for complications, including having hyaluronidase available when hyaluronic acid is used.
How should you talk to the patient?
The most common concern is a "crooked nose" or "the hump." It is worth showing, in front and profile photos, what is structure and what is perception, and explaining that filler does not reduce bone: it can disguise apparent irregularities, within limits.
In Harmy
The nose is not one of the nine marking points in the app. For the nasal dorsum, the projection does not apply.
Also called: nasal line.
Frequently asked questions
What does a convex nasal dorsum mean?
It is a dorsum that, in profile, forms a bump (hump) between the root and the tip of the nose. The opposite, a concave dorsum, forms a depression, called a saddle nose.
Why is the nose considered a risk area in facial harmonization?
Because the arteries of the nose communicate with the circulation of the eye. A vascular occlusion there can, in rare cases, damage the skin and compromise vision.