Can I achieve a 5 mm deprojection? Would I be risking any future complications due to excess skin? (photos)

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs.

Considering the projection of the nose on the profile view, it is likely that a 5 mm reduction in tip projection of the bridge is manageable. If you are referring to a 5 mm de-projection of the tip it is unlikely to be successful because of problems related to definition of the nasal tip on the front view and the characteristics of the nasal airway.

My impression is that you are approaching this planning in reverse. I would suggest starting with a simulation on profile to understand the nasal shape that you feel would suit your aesthetic vision. You can then superimpose the image simulation over the original and make the image life size on the screen. From the superposed images you can measure how much de-projection would be required for both the nasal bridge and nasal tip.

This approach could give you the confidence that your feasibility evaluation is based on an aesthetic project that you are comfortable with rather than an estimation of numbers. If in the end you feel that 5 mm de-projection of the nasal tip is your goal, it would be a challenging project to pursue in surgery.

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos you have very strong dorsal hump and droopy tip. Also your nose seems like crooked to the one side. For get rid of this image and gain more straight, masculine nose and 5 mm deprojection. There will be no extra harm for you in the future if you choose your surgeon wisely. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

I agree your bridge and nasal profile appearance is overprojected. Best to consult with several rhinoplasty specialists to see what to expect after surgery. Thank you! Dr Joseph

Yes, it is possible to deproject a nose that far, in expert hands. And the skin only rarely is a problem. One give-and-take from a deprojection that big is that the bridge of the nose can appear wider from the frontal view after surgery, despite a good job narrowing the nasal bones. But if the patient loves the profile and 3/4 views better, it's a good trade off.
Seems to me that the very tip of your nose isn't all that projecting, and it's usually the tip that we think about when we refer to projection. But the mid-point of the bridge probably would come down by 5mm or so in a well-performed operation. I gave an example in a link with this answer.
Another consideration is that when the nose is deprojected, and when a bump is removed from the bridge, it tends to make the nose *look* longer, as if the tip had drooped, so it's important to consider elevating the tip a bit as well, so the nose isn't too long after surgery.
How *much* to elevate the tip, or deproject the nose, or make other changes? We figure that out with morphs, well before surgery. I'd love for you to see some excellent professionally-designed morphs of what could possibly be done with your nose. Morphs could also help you identify better just what's bothering you, and help you set a goal for the rhinoplasty that's accurate for your tastes. Profile and three-quarter views would be particularly important in morphing your nose. (Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or he should direct an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)
Finally, remember that rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. The changes that your nose needs require advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. For most noses, it's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery. Read my essay on how to stay out of trouble while selecting a rhinoplasty surgeon. And it also discusses how to take photos that are best for online evaluations.

Deprojecting the tip, as well as reducing a dorsal hump and correcting tip droop are standard rhinoplasty maneuvers. You should be able to achieve this without untoward effects.