Nose projection is the distance that it projects outward from the point where it connects the upper lip to its tip. If the tip is excessively protuberant, it can have a significant effect on the overall appearance of the nose.
A nose that is under-projected, on the other hand, looks too shallow. The condition may make the nose appear too small in proportion to other facial characteristics.
A surgeon may trim away a portion of the cartilage at the nose tip to reduce the nose projection. To increase the projection of the nose, the surgeon may divide and re-set the cartilage.
Surgical Tricks
They will push the cartilage forward and suture it into the desired position. If the patient does not have sufficient cartilage in the nose tip, the surgeon may use a cartilage graft to augment it.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide rhinoplasty to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Correcting an Over Projected Nose
Individuals who have over projecting noses which protrude too far out from their face can undergo corrective surgery involving trimming away the nose cartilage at the tip.
In a procedure known as nasal de-projection or retro-displacement, the surgeon moves the nose tip back to offer it a more aesthetically appealing look.
Correcting an Under Projected Nose
An under-projected nose is re-projected by extending the cartilage. The surgeon may use one of two techniques, depending on the anatomy of the nose. One approach involves shaving the nose cartilage and suturing it again to achieve a better nasal projection.
The second approach involves the surgeon taking a cartilage graft from another body area with adequate cartilage availability and using it to enhance the nose projection.
This cartilage graft is usually sourced from the nasal septum in primary rhinoplasty. It can also be taken from the ears or ribs if necessary.
Types of Cartilage Grafts
The grafts, depending on the location and technique of cartilage graft use, may be known as columellar struts used to provide support to the columella which divides the nostrils.
There may not be adequate cartilage in case the patient is undergoing secondary rhinoplasty. For such patients, the nose surgeon will typically take bone from the rib cage for the cartilage graft.
The ear cartilage is thought to be useful in providing support to the nose tip due to its elasticity. A standard cartilage transplant from the ear will be thicker compared to septum cartilage. But the result could be a nasal tip that feels more natural rather than one that is solid and rigid because of its elasticity.
Costal or rib cartilage is also a viable option for cartilage needed for a primary rhinoplasty. Generally, ear or septal cartilage is used in nasal tip refinement. But, at times, rib cartilage may be used.
Considerations for Male Patients
Male patients seeking nose projection surgery may have concerns about their nose looking too feminine after the procedure. However, an experienced and qualified nose surgeon will make sure to preserve the male aesthetic of the nose while enhancing its projection.
Nose projection surgery can provide an effective solution to enhancing the nose projection while preserving its masculinity for men who do not want to undergo comprehensive rhinoplasty.
Cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for nose reshaping surgery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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