What surgical techniques cause the tip to drop/soften over the healing period?

Dropping of the nasal tip postop:Early after rhinoplasty such as when the cast is first removed the tip may appear high and pointy. there are multiple changes that can occur which make the tip drop and appear softer or more blunt. These changes include resolution of swelling, the buildup of scar tissue, and the lack of affect of the tape and cast. These changes occur after all rhinoplasty‘s regardless of the particular technique involved, whether open or closed.

It usually takes good year for result of rhinoplasty to settle and mature. This particularly applies for tip swelling and, to a certain degree, position (over-rotated tip after surgery may soften and drop in this period). It is in your best interest to ask your surgeon these questions, since he is the one who knows your situation and plan of treatment best. Good luck.

That's absolutely correct. Initially the tip may appear short due to swelling. Over time the tip will drop back down to varying degrees depending on what was done during surgery. There are simple techniques to intentionally shorten the nose if needed.