Rhinoplasty for an Underprojected Tip
When most people think about rhinoplasty (nose job), they tend to consider adjustments made tot he bridge of the nose. While the bridge is often an issue among people who seek out a rhinoplasty, the tip of the nose can also cause a number of cosmetic problems.
The team at our Orange County, CA facial plastic surgery center would like to consider how a rhinoplasty can help address issues with the tip of the nose and its appearance/projection. As you’re about to read, a carefully targeted rhinoplasty can make a major difference.
Problems Caused by an Underprojected Nasal Tip
When the tip of the nose is not properly projected, that means it does not point outward enough along the lower third of the nose. As a result, the tip of the nose may appear flat or even curved downward. This can lead to major self-consciousness about your appearance, and it can have a negative overall impact on the look of your face.
Reasons Why the Nasal Tip Appears Underprojected
There are usually three reasons why the tip of the nose appears underprojected:
- Genetics and Family History - If one or both of your parents had an underprojected tip, you are also likely to have issues with the tip of your nose.
- Injury to the Nose - An injury to the nose could result in changes to its appearance. These issues are made worse if you suffer from repeated injuries to the nose.
- Problems with Previous Nose Surgery - A past rhinoplasty or other nasal surgery could lead to changes in the appearance of the nose, such as an underprojected tip.
Can Rhinoplasty Correct an Underprojected Nasal Tip?
Yes, rhinoplasty is one option to revise the poor projection and overall contour of the lower third of the nose. While it can be tricky, a skilled plastic surgery can make the necessary revisions.
Good Candidates for Rhinoplasty
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are people in good overall health. They should not suffer from medical conditions that would make the facial surgery a risk to overall wellness. It’s also important for patients to be aware of the risks and benefits involved in the surgery, which offers realistic expectations about the process and what it entails.
Techniques for Surgical Correction of the Nasal Tip
In most cases, the ideal way to correct an underprojected tip is to use cartilage grafting. These techniques help alter the angle, shape, and projection of the tip of the nose.
This surgical technique can be done as an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the columella (the skin that separates the nostrils) allowing a surgeon to have greater control over the tissues corrected. In a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions are made within the nostrils, which is less invasive, though the surgeon’s control over the structures of the nose is limited.
The Results of Rhinoplasty
The results of a rhinoplasty for an underprojected nasal tip can be quite dramatic. The patient’s nose is usually more upturned, with a more ideal shape and angle, and elimination of the flat, downward slope of the tip. The change may be subtle, but it has a dramatic impact on overall facial appearance.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty
To learn more about rhinoplasty and how it can help you experience an improved overall appearance, we encourage you to contact Dr. William C. Cohen. Our team is here to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.