turbinates are curved bony structures inside the nose that are covered by soft tissue (mucosa). They help direct airflow and condition the air you breathe by warming, humidifying, and filtering it. In clinical care, they are often discussed in functional nasal surgery, sometimes alongside cosmetic rhinoplasty. They can enlarge or become inflamed and contribute to nasal obstruction.

The septum is a wall of tissue that divides one space in the body into two parts. In facial anatomy, the nasal septum separates the left and right nasal passages and is made of cartilage and bone. In cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, the septum is evaluated, reshaped, repositioned, or used as a graft source during nasal procedures. Other body regions also have a septum (for example, in the heart), but facial plastic surgery most often refers to the nasal septum.

The nostril is the external opening of the nasal airway on each side of the nose. It is bordered by soft tissue and cartilage that influence both breathing and appearance. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, the nostril is assessed for size, shape, symmetry, and how it relates to the tip and base of the nose. It is also central in reconstructive care after trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital differences.

– The alar base is the outer lower portion of the nose where each nostril meets the cheek and upper lip. – It includes the width of the nostril “footprint” and the shape of the nostril rim at its base. – Clinicians use alar base as an anatomic reference point in rhinoplasty planning and nasal analysis. – It is discussed in both cosmetic surgery (shape and symmetry) and reconstructive surgery (restoring form after injury or congenital differences).

The columella is the small column of tissue between the nostrils at the base of the nose. It forms the visible “bridge” separating the two nasal openings when viewed from the front or below. In cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, it is a key landmark for nasal tip shape, nostril symmetry, and support. It is also used as an access point for certain rhinoplasty (nose surgery) approaches.

The nasal tip is the most forward-projecting part of the nose, formed mainly by the lower lateral (alar) cartilages and overlying skin. It helps define nasal shape, including projection (how far it sticks out) and rotation (how “upturned” it appears). In cosmetic care, it is commonly assessed and modified during rhinoplasty or with injectable fillers. In reconstructive care, it may be repaired or rebuilt after trauma, cancer surgery, or congenital differences.

The nasal dorsum is the bridge of the nose, running from the root between the eyes to the tip area. It is formed by both bone (upper portion) and cartilage (middle portion), covered by skin and soft tissue. Clinicians use the term in cosmetic rhinoplasty and in reconstructive nasal surgery. It is a key reference point for nasal profile shape, symmetry, and airflow-related structure.

The maxilla is the paired bone that forms most of the upper jaw and the central midface. It supports the upper teeth and contributes to the hard palate, nasal cavity, and eye socket. In clinical care, the maxilla is central to dental, facial trauma, and jaw alignment planning. It is frequently referenced in both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic facial balancing.

The mandible is the lower jawbone. It holds the lower teeth and forms the shape of the jawline and chin area. It moves at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) to help with chewing and speaking. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, the mandible is a common focus for contouring, symmetry, and repair.

The chin is the front, lower part of the face below the lower lip and above the neck. In anatomy, it is closely related to the mandible (lower jaw), the overlying soft tissue, and the mentalis muscle. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, chin shape is commonly assessed for facial balance and profile harmony. In reconstructive care, the chin can be altered to restore form after trauma, congenital differences, or jaw surgery.

– cheek refers to the soft-tissue and bony contour of the midface between the lower eyelid and the jawline. – In anatomy, cheek includes skin, fat compartments, muscles, and the cheekbone (zygoma and maxilla). – In cosmetic medicine, cheek is a common target for volume restoration, contouring, and lift. – In reconstructive surgery, cheek is addressed to restore facial shape, coverage, and function after injury or disease.

The orbit is the bony “eye socket” that houses and protects the eyeball and its supporting structures. It contains muscles, nerves, blood vessels, fat, and the tear (lacrimal) gland. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, the orbit is a key landmark for procedures around the eyelids, brows, and midface. In reconstructive surgery, the orbit is evaluated and repaired after trauma, tumors, or congenital differences.

The lacrimal apparatus is the body’s tear-producing and tear-draining system around the eye. It includes structures that make tears and structures that move tears into the nose. It supports eye comfort, surface health, and clear vision by keeping the cornea lubricated. It is clinically relevant in both reconstructive and cosmetic periocular care because eyelid surgery can affect tear flow.

The canthus is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Each eye has a medial canthus (near the nose) and a lateral canthus (near the temple). It is a key anatomical landmark in eyelid evaluation, oculoplastic surgery, and facial aesthetics. It is used in both cosmetic planning (shape, symmetry) and reconstructive care (injury or eyelid support).

The lower eyelid is the mobile skin-and-muscle structure that covers and protects the lower portion of the eye. It helps spread tears across the eye surface and supports comfort and vision. In cosmetic medicine, the lower eyelid is a common focus for under-eye contour and skin-quality concerns. In reconstructive surgery, it is addressed to restore protection, position, and symmetry after injury or disease.

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The brow is the soft-tissue and skin region above the eye socket, including the eyebrow and surrounding support structures. It plays a key role in facial expression, eye framing, and upper-face balance. In clinical settings, brow assessment is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive planning. Changes in brow position or shape can affect appearance and, in some cases, upper-field vision.

The temple is the side area of the head between the outer corner of the eye and the hairline, overlying the temporal bone and temporalis muscle. In cosmetic medicine, the temple is commonly assessed for volume loss (“temple hollowing”) and contour balance with the forehead, brow, and cheek. In reconstructive surgery, the temple region may be addressed after trauma, surgery, or congenital differences that affect symmetry and function.

The forehead is the front, upper part of the face between the eyebrows and the hairline. It includes skin, soft tissue, underlying muscles, and the frontal bone. In cosmetic medicine, the forehead is a common focus for smoothing lines and balancing brow position. In reconstructive surgery, it may be involved in trauma repair, scar management, and tissue transfer procedures.

glabella is the smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows, just above the nasal bridge. It is a common anatomical landmark used in facial analysis and surgical planning. In cosmetic care, it is frequently discussed in relation to “frown lines” (glabellar lines). In reconstructive surgery, it may be involved in local flap design or scar placement planning.