WHAT IS AN OVER PROJECTED NOSE?
Tip projection refers to how far the nose protrudes (“sticks out”) from the face. Tip projection is typically most noticeable on a side view or profile photo. An overly projected tip is commonly referred to as a “Long Nose”. In cases of excessive tip projection is it also sometimes referred to as a “Pinocchio Nose”.
TIP DEPROJECTION RHINOPLASTY
Tip Deprojection refers to reducing the protrusion of the nose by bringing the tip closer to the face. The most important factor is the diagnosis of the cause of tip overprojection. A skilled rhinoplasty specialist will be able to determine if your nose is overly long for your face. Several surgical techniques that modify the nasal tip cartilage can be used to achieve tip deprojection. These include dome truncation, as well as medial and lateral crural overlay. Other techniques such as the “Tongue In Groove” maneuver can also be used to deproject the nasal tip. An overly high septum can also be lowered to reduce protrusion of the tip.
WHAT CAUSES TIP OVERPROJECTION?
Causes of tip over projection commonly involve elongation of the alar cartilage which can be caused by excessively long medial crura, lateral crura or a combination of both. Injury or iatrogenic causes such as prior nasal surgery can also result in this nasal deformity. A high nasal septum, referred to as a Tension Septum, can also lead to the appearance of an overly long nose.
This patient underwent rhinoplasty for correction of an over projected tip which she felt “stuck out” too far from the face. Note the resulting de-projection of the tip with positioning of the tip closer to the face creating better profile balance.
RHINOPLASTY: THE OVERPROJECTED TIP
