A "piggy nose" refers to an overly upturned nasal tip, a characteristic sometimes resulting from rhinoplasty (nose surgery). This description isn't a medical term but a colloquialism to describe a specific aesthetic feature.
Understanding the "Piggy Nose" Appearance
The term "piggy nose" is used to describe a nose with an excessively upward-pointing tip. This can be a naturally occurring feature or, more commonly, an unintended consequence of nasal surgery. Patients might perceive their nose as looking "too upturned" after a rhinoplasty procedure. This upturned appearance is often described as a "piggy nose" due to its resemblance to the snout of a pig.
Several sources confirm this definition:
- Dr. Philip Miller's website (https://www.drphilipmiller.com/upturned-piggy-nose/) states that some patients experience an upturned nose after rhinoplasty, noting this is common and shouldn't necessarily be a cause for concern.
- Schrader Plastic Surgery (https://www.schraderplasticsurgery.com/blog/piggy-nose-after-rhinoplasty) details a cosmetic procedure to correct this over-rotated, upturned appearance.
- Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/upturned-nose) refers to the upturned nose as a "piggy nose" or "pixie nose," clarifying that significant injury, such as a broken nose, is needed to cause this naturally.
Other Uses of "Piggy Nose"
It's important to note that the term "piggy nose" isn't exclusively used in the context of nasal surgery or appearance. It's also found in unrelated contexts:
- Product names: Some products, like a type of Scotch whisky (https://www.ianmacleod.com/brands/pigs-nose) and a bicycle part (https://zizzo.bike/products/zizzo-head-tube-pig-nose-adapter-30mm), use the term "pig nose" in their branding. This has no relation to the nose shape.
- Costumes and accessories: "Pig noses" are also used as costume elements, as seen on various online marketplaces (https://www.amazon.com/pig-nose/s?k=pig+nose).
Conclusion
The term "piggy nose" primarily describes a particular nose shape characterized by an overly upturned tip. While it can be a natural feature, it's often associated with rhinoplasty outcomes. The term also appears in unrelated product and costume contexts.
