Indentation at tip of nose - Would a tiplasty benefit me? (Photos)

Question

I’m very insecure about the indentation at the tip of my nose. I don’t mind the slight bump on the bridge—it’s really just the tip that bothers me. I can’t afford a full rhinoplasty right now, and I’m not looking for perfection. I just want my nose to look a little more normal and natural. Would a tip plasty be enough to correct the indentation? If so, what would the estimated cost be?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

The indentation is caused by the shape and position of the tip cartilages, so you could undergo just a tip plasty to correct this. Cost varies from place to place but could average around $10,000. Be sure to find a rhinoplasty expert for consultation.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

A tip plasty may be a reasonable option if the nasal tip is your only area of concern. Since the indentation appears to be related to the natural structure and formation of your cartilage, it is important to determine whether the area would benefit more from structural refinement of the tip or if it can be effectively camouflaged with a non-surgical approach.

Another option to discuss with a qualified provider is a non-surgical rhinoplasty using filler. Nasal filler can sometimes be used to camouflage contour irregularities and is particularly helpful for adding volume to areas of concavity to create a smoother appearance. It is important to understand that filler will not alter the underlying structure of the nose or make it smaller, and there are risks associated with injecting filler into the nasal area. However, when performed by an experienced injector, results from nasal filler can often last longer than filler placed in other areas of the face due to the nose having less movement.

Whether you are considering a liquid rhinoplasty or a surgical rhinoplasty, selecting a provider with extensive experience in both techniques is important. A surgeon who regularly performs both procedures may be able to provide the most objective recommendation based on your goals and anatomy. It may also be worthwhile to explore the non-surgical option first to see if you are happy with the aesthetic change before committing to a more permanent surgical procedure.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

A tip plasty may be enough in some patients, but it depends on what is causing the indentation. A depression at the nasal tip can come from cartilage shape, weak or separated tip cartilages, thin skin, previous trauma, or a small soft tissue deficiency. If the bridge does not bother you, the operation may be focused only on the tip, but this still has to be planned carefully.
In many cases, the correction would involve reshaping and supporting the tip cartilages, and sometimes placing a small cartilage graft or soft tissue graft to camouflage the indentation. The goal should be improvement and a smoother, more natural tip, not an overdone or completely different nose.
Cost varies a lot depending on the surgeon, location, anesthesia, facility fees, and whether it is truly a limited tip procedure or a more complete rhinoplasty. A tip-only procedure is not always dramatically cheaper, because it still requires operating room time, anesthesia, and precise surgical work.
The best first step is an in-person consultation. If the problem is truly isolated to the tip, a conservative tip plasty may be reasonable. But if the indentation is related to the whole nasal framework or support, a limited procedure may not give the result you want.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photos show a subtle central tip indentation, but the full-face images are low resolution and do not clearly show the tip cartilages or basal view. This appearance can come from separation or shape of the lower lateral cartilage domes, thin overlying skin, asymmetry, or a localized contour deficiency. If the issue is truly limited to the tip, a focused tip-plasty may be an option. Depending on the anatomy, correction might involve reshaping and suturing the tip cartilages and occasionally adding a small cartilage graft to smooth or support the indentation. However, changing the tip can affect projection, rotation, nostril shape, and its relationship to the bridge, so a surgeon must examine the entire nose and airway before confirming that a tip-only operation is appropriate. Avoid filler in the nasal tip as a budget substitute without a detailed consultation because nasal injections carry rare but serious vascular risks and may not correct the underlying structure. Cost cannot be estimated reliably from photographs; it varies by surgeon, location, facility, anesthesia, and whether grafting or functional work is needed. A tip-plasty may not be dramatically less expensive than full rhinoplasty because it can require the same operating room and anesthesia. Request two or three itemized consultations and ask whether the quoted plan addresses only the indentation while preserving the bridge you like.

Serdar Bora Bayraktaroglu, MD · Answer

A tip plasty is an effective, targeted solution for correcting a nasal tip indentation while leaving your preferred bridge bump untouched. Because it focuses exclusively on the lower third of the nose without altering nasal bones, it involves a shorter operating time and faster recovery than a full rhinoplasty. Surgeons use precision suturing or small cartilage grafts to smooth depressions. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for a personalized evaluation to confirm your suitability.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

You could definitely do "just a tip plasty" which is basically still a rhinoplasty only involving the tip. Another consideration would be using nose filler. Both come with risks. Best to reach out to some surgeons to see their pricing and then set up consults.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a great candidate for rhinoplasty. Maneuvers for your surgery would include dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nasal tip deprojection, tip elevation, among other maneuvers. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

We have reviewed your photos. You appear suitable for tip rhinoplasty. We recommend an in-person consultation for evaluation.

Indentation at tip of nose - Would a tiplasty benefit me? (Photos)

Answers (8)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Psychiatrist Clearance Letter for Nose Surgeon - What Should I Expect?

Is it worth doing a 4th revision or will my scars can become worse? (Photos)

Could a rhinoplasty with cartilage grafts reduce epicanthic folds? (Photos)

Is it okay to have a rhinoplasty and labia majora fat grafting in the same procedure? (Photos)

Can the projection and pointiness of my nose be reduced without affecting how it looks from the front? (Photos)

Rhinoplasty - how can I improve the sharpness of my nose? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS