Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures Projection Adjustment

Nose projection is the distance that the nose protrudes outward from the juncture 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.

Conversely, noses that are under-projected appear too shallow and this may make the nose appear too small in comparison to other facial characteristics.

Surgical Steps

A surgeon can trim away a portion of the cartilage at the nose tip to reduce the projection of the nose. To increase the nasal projection, the surgeon may separate and then realign the cartilage.

They will push it forward and subsequently suture it into a refined position. If there is inadequate cartilage in the nasal tip, the surgeon may use a cartilage graft to augment it.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Correcting an Over Projected Nose

Individuals with over projected noses, which protrude too far out from their face can undergo corrective surgery involving trimming away the nasal cartilage at the tip. This surgery moves the nasal tip back to offer it a more attractive appearance. It is also called nasal de-projection or retro-displacement.

Correcting an Under Projected Nose

Re-projecting an under-projected nose involves extending the nose cartilage. The surgeon can accomplish this goal using two approaches, depending on the structure of the nose. In one approach, the surgeon trims the nose cartilage and sutures it up again to achieve better nose projection.

The second approach involves the surgeon sourcing a cartilage graft from another body area, where there is adequate cartilage availability, and using it to enhance nose projection.

The cartilage graft is usually taken from the nasal septum in primary rhinoplasty. The cartilage can also be sourced from the ribs or ears, if necessary.

Types of Cartilage Grafts

Depending on the method and location of cartilage graft use, they may be known as columellar struts used to provide support to the columella which divides the nostrils.

There may be inadequate septum cartilage in case the patient is undergoing a secondary rhinoplasty. Such cases usually involve the surgeon taking bone from the rib cage for the cartilage graft.

Cartilage taken from the ear is considered to be beneficial in providing support to the nasal tip due to its elasticity. A common cartilage transplant from the ear will be thicker compared to septum cartilage. But it may offer a nose tip that feels more natural rather than one that is solid and rigid due to the elasticity.

In case cartilage is necessary for primary rhinoplasty, rib or costal cartilage is also considered a viable option. Generally, ear or septal cartilage is used to refine the nose tip. But, rib cartilage may also be used at times.

Considerations for Male Patients

Male patients seeking an improvement in their nose projection may have concerns on their nose appearing too feminine after the procedure. However, a judicious, reliable, and skilled cosmetic surgeon can make sure that the male aesthetic of the nose is preserved while improving its projection simultaneously.

A nose projection procedure can effectively improve the nose shape while preserving its masculinity for men who do not want to undergo a “complete” rhinoplasty. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.