How much can the nasal tip of a large nose be deprojected?

Question

I have read measurements of 4-5mm, which seems enough for most noses, but mine is very large structurally, though straight and not oddly shaped (think Lionel Messi). I am wondering if a larger nose changes this measurement. Thanks

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You actually have a difficult problem. To properly address your nose and improve your facial balance, you would need a rhinoplasty with nasal tip deprojection to improve the overall harmony of your different facial features. In the right expert hands, noses of any size can be deprojected.

This truly a surgery of millimeters- and tip deprojection is one of the most technically challenging surgical techniques! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It also depends on the technique used by your surgeon. When we require significant nasal tip deprojection, we typically divide the tip cartilages and deproject both the medial crural complex, along with the lower lateral cartilages. The configuration of your underlying nasal tip cartilages will determine how much the projection may be achieved. Please consider meeting with several reputable rhinoplasty specialists who offer computer Imaging so you could see what to expect after surgery. Thank you for this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Check out the link I posted with this answer. She had her tip deprojected by 6.5mm. Sometimes the nose's anatomy puts a limit on how much we can deproject, but I consider it one of the more predictable changes to make in a rhinoplasty.

How *much* to deproject a nose, or lower the bridge, 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. Deprojecting a nose, especially deprojecting it a lot, requires advanced techniques, and skill that most plastic surgeons don't possess with expertise. It's much better to not have surgery than to have inexpertly-performed surgery.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It is possible to significantly decrease the tip projection depending on the techniques used by your surgeon.  I will excise 4-16mm of medial crura during tip deprojection.    With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The amount a nose can be deprojected depends on your individual situation and the surgeon performing the procedure. You should be able to get an idea going on consults and looking at similar cases

How much can the nasal tip of a large nose be deprojected?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal tip deprojection

Answer: Nasal tip deprojection

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How much can the nasal tip of a large nose be deprojected?

Answers (6)

Answer: Nasal tip deprojection

Answer: Nasal tip deprojection

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.