One of the most common reasons that patients undergo cosmetic rhinoplasty is because they feel their nose is too large. There are a number of aspects of the nose that may contribute to its size: the width of the nose, the height of the bridge, and the length of the tip. A long nose is often referred to as having an over-projected tip, which can be improved through surgery.
A long nose can cause the chin to look weak and often detracts from the other features and overall look of the face. The size of this centrally located feature may cause the eyes and lips to appear small, though most people prefer to enlarge and highlight these attractors. A longer nose may also have a droopy tip, which can distort the rest of the face by drawing it downward.
What to expect from your nose surgery
De-projection of the nasal tip can be achieved during either an open or closed rhinoplasty with maneuvers that reduce the length of the nose. The doctor can effectively reposition the nasal tip to decrease its distance from the face, as seen in some of Dr. Bustillo’s nose job patient photos. Through this part of rhinoplasty it is essential for the surgeon to alter the tip in such a way that the various regions of the nose remain proportionate. Reducing the tip of the nose too greatly will create a wider end of the nose than is ideal. It is common for rhinoplasty patients who undergo tip reduction to also have bridge work done as those with over-projected tips tend to also have heightened nasal bridges.
Rhinoplasty consultation
During the consultation, or initial patient-doctor visit, the surgeon may take measurements of the nose to determine mathematically how much the length should be reduced. There are other methods the doctor may utilize to determine which alterations will results in the most desirable outcome. The patient has the opportunity to relay his or her opinion and the doctor will examine the nose to determine the extent of change allowed by the individual’s anatomy.
One method used to alter an over-projected nasal tip is through the freeing of the cartilage found in the end of the nose so it can be repositioned further back, thus lessening its length. In some patients, the cartilage is not malleable enough for this approach to be effective. In addition, severely over-projected tips will not benefit from the movement of cartilage as typically the nose may only be repositioned a few millimeters back from its original location. In other surgeries, the tip cartilage can be trimmed, then cut and overlapped in a medial lateral crural overlay to allow for more horizontal movement that brings the nasal tip closer to the face.
As an expert in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Bustillo can explain which technique is best for each patient’s over-projection concerns. The doctor is highly specialized in facial plastic surgeries, including rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, as well as a number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Dr. Bustillo’s Coral Gables, Florida, office can be reached at (305) 663-3380, or through the Patient Contact Form.
