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What Exactly is Tip Refinement?

asked 3 years ago by Jewdaism in California
Latest answer by Richard W. Fleming, MD
Question viewed 1,775 times

My doctor said my tip won't be as refined as someone with thin skin. I definitely understand the reasoning of that. I just want to know what exactly is tip refinement. Is it removing cartilage tissue that makes your nose tip what you call bulbous? Upturning your nose tip, or elevating your tip? Or does it mean all of that? I would just like a better understanding from you doctors because you guys actually take the time to help others, which is nice.

4 answers to What Exactly is Tip Refinement?

+3

What is tip refinement

The term tip refinement applies to al the situations that you mention in your question. Not everybody that undergoes a rhinoplasty needs to have all of this done (or any tip refinement for that matter), but these are all techniques that we use to reshape the tip. We normally use a combination of some cartilage excision with suture techniques to reshape the tip. This allows us to narrow, rotate, enlarge and or modify it as needed. Cartilage grafts are often used to gain height and/or... more
Andres Gantous, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tip Refinement

Another word for "refinement" is "definition". With the thick overlying skin the surgeon cannot demonstrate the clear, visible shape and contour of the underlying cartilage. This is the result, regardless of what maneuver or technique is used during the operation. Be grateful that your surgeon is honest with you and is trying to establish reasonable expectations.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tip refinement

Tip refinement is a myriad of techniques that are performed on the cartilages of the nasal tip to refine the nose, make it thinner, less bulbous and more pleasing. There are multiple different techniques that are used including cartilage grafts, tip grafts, and strut grafts, and sometimes removing cartilage. The tip refinement is usually performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty but can be performed independently if only the tip is out of balance with the remainder of the nose.... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Tip Refinement

In rhinoplasty jargon, the term "Tip Refinement" simply means reshaping the nasal tip to improve its appearance. This can involve making the tip narrower, smaller, less bulbous, less boxy, more/less upturned -- depending on the goals of the surgery. The techniques used to achieve these goals depend on the type and shape of the patient's nose. Also, skin thikness can impact the result of "tip refinement". Changes to the tip may be less appearant in thick skin patients... more
C. Spencer Cochran, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

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