The projection of the nose is the distance that it protrudes outwards from the point where it connects the upper lip to its tip. If the tip is too protuberant, it can adversely affect the overall appearance of the nose.
Conversely, noses that under-project look excessively shallow and make the nose appear too small in comparison to other characteristics of the face.
A surgeon can trim away a portion of the cartilage at the tip of the nose to reduce its projection. To increase nose projection, the surgeon may need to separate and realign the cartilage. They will push the cartilage forward and then 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. Paul McCluskey provides nose reshaping surgery to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
Correcting an Over Projected Nose
Individuals who are unhappy about their over-projecting noses, which project too far out from their face, can consider corrective surgery involving trimming away the nasal cartilage at the tip. This surgery pushes the nose tip back providing it with a more attractive appearance. This procedure is also called nasal de-projection or retro-displacement.
Correcting an Under Projected Nose
The nose cartilage will have to be extended to re-project an under-projecting nose. The surgeon may use two approaches to accomplish this outcome, depending on the structure of the nose. One approach involves shaving the nose cartilage and suturing it up again to accomplish better nasal projection.
The second approach will involve the surgeon sourcing a cartilage graft from another area of the body which has adequate cartilage availability and using it to enhance the nasal projection.
In case of primary rhinoplasty, this cartilage graft is usually sourced from the nasal septum. The surgeon may take cartilage from the ribs or the ears as well, if necessary.
Types of Cartilage Grafts
According to the location and technique of cartilage graft use, the surgeon may use columellar struts to provide support to the columella which divides the nostrils. If the patient is undergoing revision rhinoplasty, there may be inadequate septum cartilage availability.
Due to its elasticity, the ear cartilage is believed to be advantageous in offering support to the nasal tip. A cartilage transplant from the ear will typically be thicker compared to cartilage from the septum. But the results could be a nasal tip that feels more natural rather than one that is stiff and solid because of the elasticity.
Costal or rib cartilage is also considered a feasible option if cartilage is needed for primary rhinoplasty. Generally, ear or septal cartilage is used to refine the nasal tip. But at times, rib cartilage may also be used.
Considerations for Male Patients
Men considering nose projection surgery may have concerns on their nose appearing too feminine after the procedure. However, an experienced and skilled nose surgeon can ensure that the male aesthetics of the nose remain intact while improving the nasal projection.
For men who do not want to undergo a “full rhinoplasty,” a nose projection surgery can effectively enhance the nose shape while preserving its male characteristics.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Georgia, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Roswell, Marietta, Georgia and surrounding areas.