Can one simply cut cartilage in tip of nose? What would the cost be?

It is always better to see photos or for you to go in for a consultation, but wide cartilage of the nasal tip can usually be reshaped or trimmed to create a thinner tip. It is important to see a rhinoplasty specialist for consultation because you don't want to simply cut the wings off - that could lead to other problems.

The excess wings are the lower lateral cartilages and to trim them is called 'Tip-plasty'. Think of it as only part of rhinoplasty. In this case your recovery is quick and cost is less as well. The cost varies from surgeon to surgeon and between geographical areas. It might cost between $2500 to $15000.RegardsDr.J

A tip rhinoplasty is less involved than a comprehensive rhinoplasty involving the nasal dorsum. Some cartilage may need to be harvested from the septum to obtain a strut graft to give the tip support.  Suturing the cartilages together as well as narrowing them should refine your tip nicely.  You can call several offices for estimates but usually they will need a consultation to let you know the price. 

It sounds like you are describing a tip rhinoplasty. It is a simple procedure that can be done by an experienced plastic surgeon, costs will vary depending on location and discretion of the physician.

Yes, this can be done. Rhinoplasty costs range by the complexity of the surgery, surgeon, and location in the US. This is your nose that you are talking about so I would not advise you to search based on price alone. Please seek an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for more information and an in person exam.

A tip rhinoplasty can treat a bulbous tip, but it would be best to be seen in person to determine if that is all that you need or what is contributing to your nasal tip issues.

The appearance of the nasal tip comes from the size, strength and shape of the cartilage in that area of the nose. Although considered a form of rhinoplasty, tip refinement is more specialized, requiring attention to detail and precision as even millimeters of improvement can sometimes make a difference. Cartilage can be cut, removed, sutured and/or reshaped to achieve the desired result. It's also important to assess the whole nose and not just focus on the tip before deciding on tip rhinoplasty. Often, small changes in the tip may require adjustments elsewhere in order to maintain proportions and harmony. 

 A full set of photographs and an in-person examination are required to  determine what is needed regarding the nose. Most patients must undergo a full rhinoplasty, not only cartilage removal from the tip, to make sure that all the structures of the nose balance with themselves, and the new nose balances with the patient's facial features. For many examples and our current price list, please see the link and the video below

Thanks for your question.  Yes a rhinoplasty can be done that just focuses on treating the tip.  However this may be more complicated that just removing tip cartilage. In general only a small amount of tip cartilage can be removed before the cartilage is weakened too much and it loses strength. This can lead to a loss of good shape and a pinched look.  So to change the shape of the tip we commonly reshape the cartilages using a combination of suturing and cartilage grafts. These techniques help change the shape without decreasing strength.  If cartilage grafts are needed they are commonly taken from the septum inside the nose.  So as you can see narrowing the tip alone can be fairly complicated and depending on exactly what the plan is will determine the time needed and the cost involved.  Cost varies significantly depending on the surgeon, the time involved, and where you are located.  Make sure the surgeon you see is board certified.

You need an examination before the surgeon will say that a tip plasty is all that you need.Most patients who request that, are not candidates for tip plasty. Changing the tip cartilages changes the relation of the tip to the dorsum. So either dorsum needs an adjustment or tip needs septal cartilage tip grafts to increase projection.Your surgeon will give you the proper quote.