Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures: Correcting The Radix

As a part of rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery, some patients may undergo dorsal hump or bump reduction. In a variation of this condition known as the pseudo-hump or low radix, the nose may have the illusion of a significant bump.

The radix refers to the upper bony part of the nose. The radix, as well as the underlying cartilage, may be substantial leading to the appearance of a bump.

A shallow radix can cause a depression and a bump. The nose surgeon can reduce the size of the radix by cautiously shaving away small portions.

Key Points

The surgeon may add fullness to a depressed nasal area by using the patient’s cartilage from another nasal site. To create a straighter slope, the surgeon may augment the space right above the radix. For a natural nose appearance, proper radix management is important.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

Pseudo-Hump

If the patient has a pseudo-hump, it implies that the radix is not properly developed and is under-projecting. This helps create a facial profile where the tissue underneath the radix (towards the nasal tip) seems fuller and more bulbous than it actually is.

The appearance of a pseudo-hump occurs when the radix bone does not project the overlying tissue appropriately.

Correcting an Underdeveloped and Low Radix

Rhinoplasty with radix tissue grafting is the most suitable treatment for an under-projecting radix. A radix graft may comprise cartilage, fascia, or other soft tissue.

In general, it is a sculpted piece of cartilage typically taken from the septum. The surgeon places this graft underneath the skin and muscle of the radix, where it stays hidden.

Placing a cartilage graft over the bone where it elevates the depressed soft tissue compensates for the deficit in the bony structure. This procedure develops a much straighter profile without the need to eliminate any bone or cartilage underneath the radix.

Can you have Weak Radix and a True Hump?

A patient can have an under-developed radix as well as a true hump. The advantage of treating these conditions simultaneously is that the surgeon can remove the hump in a more conservative manner.

They will bring the ideal profile line closer to the hump by elevating the position of the radix. Consequently, the surgeon will have to remove a lesser portion of the hump to create a straighter profile.

This plastic surgery procedure results in a less “surgical” appearance and a more natural look due to a more robust nasal starting point.

Correcting Radix as Part of Revision Rhinoplasty

The angle between the frontal and nasal bones of the nose determines the height of the radix. This height should be proportionate to the dorsal height, length, and tip proportionate for balanced and aesthetically appealing results.

In case the radix remains too high, or the graft used during the procedure is too large, the nose will take on a Romanesque appearance following the procedure.

Revision rhinoplasty will involve the surgeon reducing the radix to its correct and most appealing proportions in comparison to other nasal aspects and facial characteristics.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty. 

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.