Could I do just a Tip Plasty? (photos)

Question

I hate the way my nose projects in my side profile. I have a very small face so I feel like from the side, my nose just doesn’t fit my face. I also hate the way my nose drops when I smile. Could I just get my nasal tip altered and de-projected, or would I also need to fix the slight bump on my bridge?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing images along with your question. While a tip plasty can successfully reshape the tip of the nose, it does not ensure a well-balanced profile. Based on your photos, you appear to have a minor dorsal hump, and enhancing just the tip of your nose may make it more pronounced. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon, particularly one with a strong rhinoplasty portfolio. These experts have a broad understanding of facial anatomy and will have a skilled aesthetic eye for producing natural-looking results. Your surgeon can do a proper evaluation, use digital photography to show your projected results, as well as ensure the best possible outcome.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

It's probably best to have your small profile bump removed at the time of rhinoplasty since with tip deprojection, your small profile bump may appear larger unless it's addressed. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

For the best result you need a full rhinoplasty. It's not just the tip. Your bridge needs to be lowered and the tip raised. You would also need the bones broken. Don't worry breaking the bones is not a big deal even though I know it sounds scary

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Tip plasty verse full rhinoplasty: from the photos it appears that your nasal tip is slightly Bulbous and over projecting and perhaps not angled high enough. It is always theoretically possible to do a tip plasty in Lieu of a full rhinoplasty. However in the vast majority of cases this would result in disharmony of the tip in relation to the other dimensions of the nose. Usually the more optimum overall result is obtained with a full rhinoplasty

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Improving the nasal tip to achieve an improved natural appearing cosmetic result is a frequent request of patients wanting nasal refinement. It is possible to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tip alone without altering the rest of the nose in some patients. Whether the optimal option in your particular situation would be a tip rhinoplasty alone or a full rhinoplasty would best be determined at a consultation. Either procedure can be performed with a closed or open approach.

Following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do based on limited photos without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon with extensive nasal surgery experience who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla,California

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A tip plasty will only reduce the bulbous nasal tip and may leave the nose unbalanced, since the projection of the nose is caused  by the dorsal septal cartilage. A full closed rhinoplasty will be necessary to shave down the dorsal hump, reduce the projection of the nose, reduce the hanging columella, prevent the nasal tip from drooping when smiling, and narrow the bridge line. The amount of de-projection of your nose will be minimal based on your current anatomy

Could I do just a Tip Plasty? (photos)

Answers (6)

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