Glossary
What is nasal tip projection?
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Nasal tip projection is the distance the tip of the nose extends forward from the face. Excessive tip projection (over-projected nose) and inadequate tip projection (under-projected nose) are both common rhinoplasty concerns. The standard clinical measurement uses the Goode method (1984) with a target ratio of 0.55 to 0.60.
How nasal tip projection is measured
Measured from a profile photograph using the Goode method: the alar-facial junction to nasal tip distance divided by the nasion to nasal tip distance. The resulting ratio is compared against the published ideal range.
Why nasal tip projection matters
Tip projection materially affects how the nose reads on the face and whether the nose looks proportional to the rest of the features. Tip projection is one of the primary targets of rhinoplasty alongside dorsal hump reduction and tip rotation.
Normal range
Goode ratio of 0.55 to 0.60 represents the ideal projection. Above 0.60 is over-projected; below 0.55 is under-projected. Some ethnic variations exist; East Asian noses often have lower native projection ratios.
Source: Goode 1984
How Facet uses nasal tip projection
Facet defers nasal tip projection measurement to V3 because it requires a profile photograph and the profile-CV pipeline has not yet shipped.
Frequently asked
What surgery changes nasal tip projection?+
Tip plasty (with or without columellar strut placement) is the standard rhinoplasty technique for adjusting tip projection. The procedure is performed by facial plastic surgeons or board-certified ENTs with rhinoplasty subspecialty training.
Can non-surgical rhinoplasty change tip projection?+
Filler-based non-surgical rhinoplasty can subtly augment tip projection but cannot reduce it. For tip de-projection, surgery is the only option.