Would a rhinoplasty reduce projection and define my tip?

Question

I would like to reduce the projection of my nose and define the tip, which I feel is bulbous. What time of rhinoplasty would be best if so ?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, among other maneuvers.. 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

Best wishes and good luck.

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

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question to simultaneously reduce tip projection (de-projection) and refine a bulbous tip, an open technique structural rhinoplasty is the gold standard approach.
De-projecting the nose requires carefully trimming or set-backing the lower lateral cartilages and resetting their anchor to the septum. To ensure the tip remains sharp and defined rather than looking collapsed or rounder after bringing it back, precise grafting (such as a columellar strut or septal extension graft) and specialized suturing techniques are necessary. The open approach provides the direct visibility and control required to execute these micro-adjustments with maximum stability and predictability.
Best Regards!

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The profile photo suggests a relatively projected tip, but it does not provide the frontal and basal views needed to judge tip width, support, or skin thickness. A rhinoplasty can often reduce projection while refining the tip, though the achievable definition depends strongly on cartilage strength and the overlying skin.

The appropriate plan may combine controlled tip deprojection, reshaping or suturing of the tip cartilages, and adjustment of dorsal height so the profile remains balanced. An in-person consultation with standardized photographs and an airway examination is needed to set realistic proportions and avoid over-resection or loss of tip support.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

A rhinoplasty can help reduce the projection of your nose and define a bulbous tip. Based on your description—wanting to minimize how far your nose extends outward (projection) and refine a rounded or wide nasal tip—it seems like you may be a candidate for either a tip refinement rhinoplasty or a full structural rhinoplasty, depending on your specific nasal anatomy.

Here's a quick breakdown of what rhinoplasty can do for you:

-Reduce Projection: This involves bringing the nose closer to the face by adjusting the cartilage and possibly the septum.
-Refine the Tip: This process usually includes reshaping the lower lateral cartilages to eliminate a bulbous appearance. The surgeon can sculpt, suture, or sometimes trim the cartilage to create a more defined and proportionate tip.

Rhinoplasty Options:

Open Rhinoplasty:
   - Ideal for detailed work on the tip.
   - Provides the surgeon with better visibility and precision.
   - Involves a small incision at the base of the nose (columella).
   - Excellent for refining projection and addressing bulky tips.

Closed Rhinoplasty:
   - No external incision; all procedures are performed inside the nostrils.
   - Less invasive and typically allows for faster healing, but offers limited access to the nasal tip.
   - It may be suitable if only minimal changes are required.

Most patients with concerns like yours benefit more from an open rhinoplasty, especially if reducing projection and enhancing definition are significant goals.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi, It is better for you to consult with your facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you opinion based on examination. You can achieve what you want with rhinoplasty. no specific time, do it whenever you are ready.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photograph is somewhat limited. You may also benefit from a chin implant to balance the face. Your nose may not be as large as you think. However, your chin appears to small. A rhinoplasty can be done to refine the tip. I would need more photographs to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I would recommend an open rhinoplasty with dorsal reduction and tip refinement.  The procedure takes 1 week recovery and is very safe and reproducible.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial photographs from all angles are going to be required to make a determination about how best to proceed. A closed rhinoplasty approach and accomplish, shaving down the dorsal hump, reducing the projection of the nose, and narrowing the bridge line with all of the incisions placed on the inside of the nose. No external incisions are required, and no painful packing is required either. Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features. If you have thick skin in the tip of your nose, that's going to prevent refinement in that area.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for a rhinoplasty. Based on the profile view you provided, the recommended adjustments would include lowering the radix and nasal bridge and refining the tip. This process involves reshaping both the cartilage and bone to achieve a more balanced, defined appearance while harmonizing the overall nose projection.

Dr. B.

Dr. B.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

My advice is to find the best rhinoplasty surgeon as a priority. There are several different ways to do rhinoplasty. You are best off selecting a surgeon you think does the best work

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty can change many aspects of your nose. If you wish to deproject and refine the tip, this can be done readily.  The "type" of rhinoplasty used is not so relevant as I could do this 3 different ways, at least, and other sugeons will use their preferred methods

Would a rhinoplasty reduce projection and define my tip?

Answers (16)

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