What is a tip rhinoplasty?

In a "tip rhinoplasty," the surgeon has determined with your input that the only area where your nose needs change is in the tip.  There isn't a bump on the bridge, the bones aren't too wide etc.  The tip rhinoplasty is designed to produce a more delicate refined tip and is frequently performed "open" with an incision across the columella between the nostrils along with incisions inside the nose.  This allows the surgeon to directly see the cartilage structures of the tip and use sculpting, sutures and even grafts to provide the optimum result.  The recovery is usually minimally painful and there typically isn't any bruising as there can be in a more extensive rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated and intricate operations. The most difficult aspect of rhinoplasty is the the tip of the nose.

The tip of the nose is the most variable aspects of the nose. Cartilages that makes up the tip varies in each patient in regards to the length, strength and shape, different curvatures, unique asymmetries, and so forth. The nasal bones of each patient may be of different lengths and thickness, and of different orientation. The skin thickness also differs significantly between patients. All these variables have to be paid attention to if one wants to get a natural perfect nose.

Changing one aspect of the nasal anatomy can have a complex and cascading effect on other aspects of the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery is not only the science but also an art. Like a solving a puzzle understanding the complex interactions of the pieces, the surgeon must be able to understand the complex interactions of each patient's nasal anatomy. Therefore, knowledge, experience and technical ability are as important traits for a rhinoplasty surgeon as his artistic ability.

Rhinoplasty is surgery to change the shape of the nose.  The nose has many subunits, one of which is the nasal tip.  This area is a critical part of the nose and gives it much character.  Reasons to perform a "tip rhinoplasty" are to change the shape of the nasal tip.  Common complaints are to change a nasal tip that is wide, boxy, bulbous, or narrow.

Other procedures may be performed at the time a nasal tip is addressed during rhinoplasty.  Such procedures include addressing the width, height, and length of the nose.  Procedures can also be performed to improve breathing (e.g., septoplasty, turbinate reduction, spreader grafts). 

It is important to select a surgeon who is properly licensed, trained, and experienced in performing this type of procedure.  Clearly communicate your goals to your surgeon so he/she can meet and hopefully exceed your expectations.

A tip rhinoplasty usually refers to treating the tip of the nose.  Therefore, no work is performed on the septum or the dorsum( i.e Hump or depressed bridge).  Usually this is for patients that want a more refined tip because the tip is too bulbous or round.

A tip rhinoplasty is performed on select noses where only the tip is too wide (bulbous) and out of balance relative to the rest of the nose. A tip plasty is performed to reduce and refine the tip to balance with the rest of the nose. The bridge of the nose is not altered. The remainder of the nose has to look great, otherwise an entire rhinoplasty is performed.

A tip rhinoplasty refers to adjustments made in position, size, and or shape of the tip of your nose and nostril areas.

Open or closed approaches can be made. Careful attention has to be paid to the fact that concentration on the tip of the nose alone can result in disharmony of the nose if your surgeon is not being very careful.

I find that tip rhinoplasty is most useful in my revision rhinoplasty patients who develop or have recurrent tip abnormalities after a previous nasal surgery. The rest of the nose looks great and the tip is all that needs to be corrected. Tip rhinoplasty is by no means easy.

Hope this helps!

When a surgeon plans a Rhinoplasty, 3 basic parts of the nose are always considered. The nose is typically broken up into 1/3rds.

1. The upper third is the nasal bones, which can be responsible for a wide nasal bridge and is usually a component of a nasal hump.
2. The middle third is the cartilaginous vault, where the nasal septum and cartilage canopy exist. This area is typically also involved in a bump, but, more importantly, has a critical role in nasal deviation and nasal obstruction.
3. Finally, the lower third, or nasal tip, is the lowest and most mobile portion of the nose. Drooping of the tip, excess volume or width of the tip, and nostril asymmetry are the most common problems seen in this region.

A tip rhinoplasty is, therefore, any operation that seeks to change the volume, angle, or height of the nasal tip. Alterations can range from simple to complex, depending on the degree and scope of an individual patient's problem. A wide variety of outcomes are typically possible, depending on both the patient's desires and the surgeon's aesthetic sense.

It is critical that this region balances with the rest of the nose and the overally structure of a patient's face and body. The nasal tip is the area where, if this balance is not achieved, an "operated" appearance may result.

Various types of techniques, including suture modification, cartilage excision, or structural grafting may be used to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.

Generally, a rhinoplasty operation may address several distinct anatomic parts of the nose, including the tip, the bridge, the radix (starting point of the bridge at the top of the bridge), and so on...

Tip rhinoplasty refers to a cosmetic nose operation that focuses on alteration of the tip of the nose. The tip of the nose is comprised of skin, subcutaneous tissues, and the paired lower lateral cartilages resembling an arched "M".

The tip of the nose has several aesthetic characteristics that may be altered in a rhinoplasty surgery.

Manipulation of the arched lower lateral cartilages allows your surgeon to increase or decrease the projection of the tip (the distance the tip of the nose projects from the face), the rotation of the tip, the angle between the tip of the nose and the upper lip, the width of the tip, the vertical height of the widest portion of the tip, among other more detailed considerations.

These aspects of the tip may be altered surgically using many different approaches. The external or "open" approach involves an incision on the skin of the collumella (skin between the nostrils)and a few hidden incisions inside of the nostrils, while the internal approach involves only hidden incisions inside of the nostrils.

There is no one way that is better. The best method is the one which your surgeon feels will allow him/her to peform all of the necessary steps for the desired result.

A tip rhinoplasty involves changing the relationship of the lower lateral (alar cartilages) with the upper lateral cartilages and the caudal septum to refine the tip of the nose. It can be as simple as a "cephalic trim" or trim of the upper part of the bulbous tip cartilage, or more involved with adjustment of the septum at its base and grafts placed between the nasal ala to enhance and rotate the tip.

Best bet is to consult with either a board certified plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist who does a large volume of rhinoplasties (or "nose jobs") so that you have adequate information before entering into surgery.

Be careful, as changing one aspect of the nose (i.e. the tip) can change the whole balance of the nose (i.e. the bridge or dorsum, etc), so you never want to go with someone who is offering you the shortcut or easy way to do a rhinoplasty, as it is inherently a complicated procedure that varies from individual to individual depending upon their nasal anatomy.

A tip rhinoplasty involves changes to the tip of the nose. It is performed in patients who only have a tip problem.

Surgeons need to be very careful to make sure that the nose is still in proportion after a "tip" rhinoplasty. Most patients who have rhinoplasty need more than just their tip done.

There is no "recipe" for rhinoplasty as it involves artfully sculpting the nose so that it blends in with the other facial features.