Is It Possible to Significantly Deproject a Nose? (photo)

Yes, you absolutely can deproject the tip.  This is part of a rhinoplasty that we do often and regularly.  You look very pretty, but I agree that your nose seems overprotected (defined as the horizontal distance from your cheek to the tip of your nose).  Your dorsum would also need to be lowered at the same time and tip deprojected to make the entire nose smaller.  Otherwise, your tip rotation is perfect, columellar show is also nice.  We have 3D photo imaging in our office and I would highly recommend this prior to any planned operation.  This helps the surgeon's words to be translated into the actual achievable result on your face.  I have posted a link to one of my patient's before-and-after photos.  In this case, we significantly deprojected her (look at the base view or even measure the amount of deprojection on side view).  She did have much higher dorsum than you that was lowered.  However, this gives you an idea of the amount of deprojection that can be achieved.

There are several techniques to achieve deprojection during rhinoplasty.  To achieve significant deprojection, 2 techniques in particular (lateral crural overlay/medial crural overlay) are very useful.  As others have mentioned, it's important to seek an experienced rhinoplasty specialist to achieve the best results possible.  

Hi Marissa,

Yes, it is possible to deproject your nasal tip with rhinoplasty.  I would use an open approach, decrease your tip projection, and also bring the upper two thirds of your nose into harmony with it.  It is an advanced technique.  We have some nice before and after pictures of patients with similar noses to yours.  Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Basically you want your nose set closer to your face. It is a pretty standard techniques which is involved and from your photos you appear to be a good candidate. The entire bridge of the nose needs to be shaved down especially out at the tip. Do not get a cartilage tip graft. It will make the tip stick out even more. The most important decision will be your selection of the right surgeon.

      A nose can be deprojected by several mm, but any number of techniques.  The dorsum can be reduced as well.  In addition, the tip width will have to be considered as well as the alar base and nostril shape and size when deprojecting a nose.   A lot of parameters will change with this and will have to be accounted for in the final nose shape and balance.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Dear marissamc013,


Your nose can definitely be deprojected and improved

You should see a rhinoplasty specialist who performs a significant amount of rhinoplasty

At your consultation, a realistic goal can be discussed and all of your concerns can be addressed


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani

Yes, the projection can be decreased, but the dorsum would need to be decreased and possibly the length decreased, in conjunction with the projection to keep it in proportion with the rest of the nose. This can be done through either an open or closed rhinoplasty.  Good luck in your endeavor!

Thank you for the great question and your photos. In short, yes, it is possible to significantly deproject a nose (make it "shorter" in the distance it projects away from the face). Doing this requires some complex maneuvers, especially if you want the nose to have the same overall shape and rotation (angle it makes with the lip). Generally, this type of rhinoplasty is performed with an open technique. Best of luck moving forward!

"Rhinoplasty to deproject the tip, refine the tip and remove the hump can be done. Choose a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does natural noses to avoid an over done nose. 

There are multiple ways to reduce projection during nasal surgery.  I recommend seeing a plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable and who specializes in nasal surgery.